How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

Spare tires used to come standard when you purchased a new car. But many manufacturers are going away from that tradition, leaving the space in your trunk empty. According to Consumer Reports, the absence of a spare tire and jack, which weight 40 to 50 pounds, help improve gas mileage. 

While that probably isn’t the deciding factor on whether you buy the vehicle, it’s important to know what you’ve got on board in case you do get a flat. There are different ways to go when looking to buy a spare tire, from full-sized replacements to donut-type tires.

Learn more about spare tires in Tire Agent’s Guide to Spares. In this post, we answer questions about how long spare tires last, and how long you can drive on them.

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‘How Long Can I Drive on a Spare Tire?’

How long can you drive on a spare tire? You can drive on a spare tire for about 50 miles at speeds of no more than 50 miles per hour. Driving on a ‘donut’ tire should be limited to no more than 50 miles each trip, ideally less than 50 miles. It’s crucial to replace the spare as soon as possible to ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.

Now that you know a donut tire shouldn’t be driven for much distance, let’s answer a few other questions you might have.

How Far Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

How long can I drive on a spare tire?

For this question, we’re speaking of distance versus time. If your spare is a donut-type tire, do not drive on it for more than 50 miles. Replace it every 6 to 10 years. 

Driving more than 50 miles on this type of spare can cause damage to other parts of your vehicle, including the transmission. Yikes! You know how much it costs to fix transmission damage.

How many days can you drive on a spare tire?

Drive on a spare only to get your vehicle to safety. No, you shouldn’t drive on a donut spare tire for a week. A full-size spare, you may be able to drive on longer, but keep in mind that its tread will not have the same wear as your good tires, which isn’t great for your vehicle’s suspension.

How long does a spare tire last?

Regular sized spares

Most full-size spare tires are made to last seven to 10 years. To be safe, never operate a vehicle on a tire with obvious damage, such as sidewall cracks, punctures, impact bulges or uneven tread wear.

Donut spare tires

Donut tires can also last up to 10 years if they’ve never been used. Once you drive on a donut tire, it wears out relatively quickly. After using it for 50 to 70 miles, it’s time to replace it.

Is it Safe to Drive on a Spare Tire on the Highway?

The answer here depends on which type of spare tire you have. If you have a full-size spare, driving on the highway is OK.

But if your spare is a donut tire, we’d advise against driving on the highway. That’s because it’s not meant to be driven like a full-size tire. Keep your speed at 50 MPH or below when using a donut tire. That means no highway driving.

The Right Way to Maintain Spare Tires

Don’t just throw a spare tire into the trunk and forget about it. Do a quality check now and then to ensure it’s road-ready in case you need it.

One thing to check is that it has the correct air pressure. You can find the proper PSI on the tire’s sidewall. A pro tip is to set a goal to check on your spare tire at the start and end of Daylight Saving Time. Checking on your spare twice per year, like clockwork, is the best way to ensure it’s safe.

But air pressure is just one thing to check. Do a visual inspection while at it to ensure it’s not damaged beyond use. Look for cracks and punctures from being in storage for long periods.

Which Type of Spare is Right for You?

If your vehicle has room to store a full-size spare, this might be the best option. Working the spare into the regular tire rotation can extend the tread life of all your tires.

But a donut tire might be right for you if you have a smaller car and want to save some money. Speak with a tire professional if you need assistance making a decision. They are friendly and always there to help.

Summing It All Up 

• How far can you go on a spare tire? 50 to 70 miles on a donut tire, or much longer on a full-size spare, but be aware of the effect difference in tread can have on your vehicle’s suspension. Check your owner’s manual for how far to drive on a spare.
• Can I drive on a spare for a week? No, not on a donut spare.
• How fast can I drive on a spare? On a donut tire, speed should not exceed 50 mph or whatever is indicated on your spare tire’s sidewall. 
• How many miles does a donut tire last? If you drive more than 50 miles, you probably should replace it. Your auto mechanic can inspect it and tell you if it should be replaced after driving on it.
• How often should you replace a spare tire? They’re built to last 6 to 10 years. 
• What happens if you drive too fast on a spare tire? Driving faster than recommended on any tire could cause the tire to fail, become damaged, or worse. 
• How long can you drive on a spare tire? However long it takes to get to safety, usually 50 to 70 miles (at no faster than 50 mph).