A tire blowout is one of the most alarming mishaps, outside of a car accident, that you can experience on the road. Even once you have the spare tire on, it can feel like you’re driving on eggshells. So how long can you safely travel on this temporary replacement? Use the following guide to find out how to handle your next blowout responsibly.

What to Do if You Experience a Blowout on the Road

While you might be frightened and desperate to come to a safe stop, avoid flooring the brake pedal, as this could seriously damage a car depending on three tires. Instead, lift off the gas pedal and slowly press down on the brakes. Instead of shifting to the shoulder immediately, keep the steering wheel as straight as possible, while the car comes to a stop. Then, if the road is clear, drive slowly to the shoulder or roadside, park the car, and put on your hazard lights.

How Long You Can Drive on a Spare

If you have a spare tire in your trunk, you’re lucky—many modern cars don’t have any, and these drivers have no choice but to call for a tow. However, a spare will allow you to drive to an auto repair shop, or at least to a safer location. If you have a “donut” or space saver—which looks significantly smaller than your other tires—this is the only distance you should travel. At maximum, you should only use these for about 50 miles. 

Older cars will contain full-size spares, which you can drive for longer periods and at faster speeds. However, since it will have a different degree of wear and tear compared to the other three tires, it won’t offer a smooth, safe ride, and you should still head to a replacement center as soon as possible. As a general rule of thumb, you should always change your spare sooner rather than later, as they are more susceptible to punctures and tread wear than your other tires.

If you’ve experienced a blowout, don’t wait to call H & S Tire & Auto Center of Wentzville, MO. This auto repair specialist will work with tact and efficiency to get you back on the road with a reliable set of wheels. In addition to tires, they also work on auto HVAC systems, electrical systems, and engines, among other essential parts. To learn more about their services, visit the website or call (636) 327-5225 to arrange for a free estimate.