How Long Can You Drive On A Spare Tire?

Flat tires happen to every driver at some point, and knowing what to do and how far you can safely travel is essential for protecting you and your vehicle. At Russ Darrow Direct, we want you to be prepared and confident when you hit the road, whether you’re commuting in Little Chute or heading out on a weekend adventure. Keep reading to learn more!

How Long You Can Drive On A Spare Tire: Space-Saver Spare

Let’s say you’re out on the road near Oshkosh and your car gets a flat. If you find that your spare is smaller than your normal tires, you have a space-saver spare, or “donut” spare. They’re included on many new vehicles and come with certain restrictions. Consider the following points if you’re asking yourself, “How long can I drive on a spare tire?”:

• Spares cannot be driven over 50 miles per hour
• Spare tires shouldn’t be driven for more than 70 miles
• You’ll have less traction than with a full-size spare

Your space-saver spare will list any additional usage restrictions on the tire itself. You’ll want to get to the nearest service center quickly to repair your old tire or purchase a new one.

How Long You Can Drive On A Spare Tire: Full-Size Spare

While a full-size spare is less common, it’s often included with new trucks and SUVs. It can be used longer than a space-saver spare, but you’ll want to get the tire replaced as soon as possible. It’s unlikely that it’s the same brand as your other tires, and that can cause poor traction and handling. And since it’s brand new, it won’t have the same amount of wear as the other tires. We recommend visiting Russ Darrow Direct to find a tire that offers a better fit as soon as you can.

What Is A Run-Flat Tire?

Run-flat tires can maintain pressure even after a puncture. They offer the following advantages and disadvantages:

• Remains inflated for about 50 miles following a puncture
• Tougher than a space-saver tire or full-size spare
• Often costs more than a standard tire

If you have run-flat tires and your tire pressure monitor shows that it’s running low, stop the vehicle and inspect your tires. A visible puncture on a run-flat tire means you’ll want to head to your local Appleton-area service center to repair or replace it.

Stop By Russ Darrow Direct For Expert Tire Assistance

If you’ve had a flat or want to prepare for the unexpected, our Neenah team can help. From tire inspections to replacements, we’ll make sure you’re ready for the road. Do you need new tires installed? Please contact our service team today. We can’t wait to see you!