Spare Tire Limits | Safe Driving Distance
How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tyre
You should drive on a spare tire for no more than 50-70 miles and at speeds not exceeding 50 mph. Spare tires are designed as temporary solutions to get you to a repair shop, not for extended use or high-speed travel.
Spare Tire Limitations
Spare tires, particularly compact temporary spares, have significant limitations compared to regular tires. They're manufactured with less durable materials, have different pressure requirements, and provide reduced traction and handling capabilities.
Critical limitations include:
- Reduced tread life and traction
- Lower speed ratings (typically 50 mph max)
- Shorter distance recommendations
- Different inflation requirements
- Potential vehicle stability issues
Risks of Extended Spare Use
Driving beyond the recommended limits on a spare tire creates multiple safety hazards. The tire may overheat, suffer blowouts, or cause handling problems especially in wet conditions or during emergency maneuvers.
Extended use can damage your vehicle's differential, transmission, or alignment systems due to the size difference between the spare and regular tires. The temporary nature of these tires means they degrade faster under continuous use.
Always replace your spare with a proper tire as soon as possible. Keep your spare properly inflated and periodically check its condition even when not in use to ensure it's ready when needed.