Many car owners will eventually experience a drive when a tire blows out. Knowing what to do next, as well as how long your spare will last is crucial information to stay safe. Here’s a guide so you can be informed the next time you have a flat and need to head to the tire shop.

What Should You Do If You Have a Tire Blowout? 

If you hear a noise, feel a sag, or notice a change in steering that may indicate a blown tire, pull over to the side of the road as soon as you can. Driving on a blown tire is dangerous since it’s so difficult to steer. When no cars are around, exit the vehicle and put down any safety cones or road flares you may have in the trunk to warn other vehicles of your presence. Then, get out your jack, remove the blown tire and replace it with the spare. It’s best to head straight to a tire shop from there to avoid wearing out your spare.  

How Long Will a Spare Tire Last?

Spare tires are not designed as full-on replacements for your original tires. There are two types of spare tires, full-size ones, and donuts. Full-size spares tend to be found in older cars, and are larger and heavier. Its job is to let you get safely to the tire shop, where a repair or a replacement is needed. While it’s possible to have a technician put on the old tire’s rim, that solution is still problematic because the spare may be a different type of tire, creating an imbalance while driving that can tax the vehicle.

Using it beyond that trip isn’t safe. Donut spares are smaller and save space, but they hold up less well than their larger counterparts. A rule of the road is to use them for no more than 70 miles and never over 50 miles per hour. Otherwise, the difference in size can create major stress on your clutch. It’s useful to observe a similar limitation if using the full-size spare as well. 

The next time you need a tire repair, head right over to Phil's Tire Shop in St. Louis, MO. Serving the community since 1994, the professionals are so confident in their work they offer a 30-day warranty on their services. To set up an appointment, just call (314) 544-3181. Learn more about the tire shop by visiting their website.