How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

When you are out and about in San Antonio, sometimes you get a flat tire. All of us have been there at some point, but luckily, you can use that spare tire in your trunk or on the back of your vehicle when you’re in a pinch. How long can you drive on a spare tire? If you have a small space-saver tire, it can last you within 70 miles while a full-size spare can buy you more time and mileage. Learn more from the service team at Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Castroville below!

How Long Can I Drive on a Space-Saver Spare Tire

A spare tire that is smaller than your normal tires is called a space-saver spare or a “donut” spare. Space-saver spare tires are included on many new cars and also come with specific restrictions. So how long can you drive on a donut spare? While there isn’t an exact timeframe, you would want to go to your local San Antonio service center to repair your flat tire or purchase a new one as soon as possible. Some things to note include:

• You cannot drive over 50 miles per hour on a spare 
• You shouldn’t drive a spare for more than 70 miles
• You’ll have less traction than with a full-size spare

How Long Can I Drive on a Full-Size Spare Tire

What about if you have a full-size spare instead? They are less common, but they are often included with new trucks and SUVs. While you can drive on a full-size spare longer than a space-saver, you will still want to replace the tire immediately. Because your spare tire is probably not the same brand as your other tires, you will have poor traction and handling in your Balcones Heights commutes. Not to mention, the amount of wear will also differ from the rest of your tires. 

What is a Run-Flat Tire?

Run-flat tires can hold pressure even after a puncture. Some things to note about them include:

• 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

For drivers who have run-flat tires, if your tire pressure monitor says that it’s running low, you should stop your car and inspect your tires. A visible puncture on a run-flat tire means you should head to your local service center to repair or replace it before you get back on the Alamo Heights roads. 

Get More Tire Care Advice From Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Castroville 

At Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Castroville, our service technicians can tell you more on how to take care of your tires from how to perform tire rotations by yourself to when you should rotate them. Need to visit us in Castroville? Make sure to use our tire coupons and service & parts financing!