Even the most skilled drivers encounter car trouble and the occasional accident on the road. Luckily, your car has safety measures in place to help in case of an emergency. When you need to schedule car repair services for your tires but aren’t able to get it done quickly, you can use your spare tire. Before you put on your temporary tire, you’ll want to be aware of how long it can be driven on without further damaging your vehicle.

A Guide to Driving on Spare Tires

What to Do During a Blowout on the Road

Experiencing a blowout can be scary, but there’s no need to panic. The first thing you’ll want to remember as it’s happening is to grip your steering wheel firmly to prevent the car from swerving all over the road. Though you’ll be tempted to slam on the brakes, don’t do it, as this can cause the vehicle to begin spinning. Let the car slow down on its own, and then pull to the side of the road. Keep your hazard lights flashing to alert other drivers that you’re there. You can then swap out the damaged tire for your spare.

The Lifespan of a Spare Tire

Spare tires are not meant to be driven on for long distances or at high speeds. They’re generally smaller and have less tread than a regular one, so you will want to replace the damaged one as soon as you’re able to. Of course, this will vary depending on road conditions, but a temporary spare is good for about 50 miles of driving. Because of its small size, it has to spin faster to keep up with the other three, and it’s not designed to go faster than 50 miles per hour.

If it is full-size, rather than one of the space-saver variety, you have some more flexibility. It can undergo just about the same type of driving that your regular tires can, but it will handle differently. Even though you can drive on it for longer than the smaller spare, you should still replace it as soon as possible.

When a blowout does happen, you need a trusted car repair specialist on your side. Springdale Automotive provides maintenance and repair on domestic and imported cars and trucks to the community in and surrounding Cincinnati, OH. Their licensed professionals ensure efficient, top-of-the-line work that will get you back on the road as soon as possible. Visit their website to view a full list of the services they offer, including everything from oil changes and transmission replacement, and to request an appointment. Call (513) 860-2760 with any questions, and follow them on Facebook to stay up to date on their car maintenance tips.