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Experiencing a flat tire can be a total hassle, as it not only interrupts your journey but also adds both time and expense to repair. Once you've replaced the flat tire with your spare, you might be curious about how long you can safely drive on it. Wheel & Tire Superstore, a quality tire shop, outlines the recommended guidelines for driving on a spare tire, including the maximum distance you should drive with it.

Driving Safely With a Spare Tire

• Allow Extra Brake Time

Employing a spare tire may trigger the illumination of your vehicle's anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light or result in impaired ABS functionality. Using a compact spare tire can introduce inaccuracies in the speedometers of certain vehicles. To avoid unexpected situations, we recommend braking earlier and maintaining a safe following distance from other vehicles.

• Ensure Your Spare Tire Is in Good Condition

Regularly inspect the pressure of your spare tire when it's not in active use. Spare tires typically require different inflation pressures compared to your regular tires, so it's important to ensure they are inflated correctly. After all, a spare tire won't be of much assistance if it's underinflated.

• Don’t Neglect Replacing Your Spare

When it becomes necessary, make sure to replace your spare tire. The frequency of replacement will vary depending on the type of spare you possess. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or examine the spare itself to determine the appropriate replacement schedule. It’s worth noting many spare tires typically have a lifespan of approximately eight years without usage, so it’s important to shop tires by vehicle at a tire center and replace them on time.

• Drive Slow in Rain or Snow

Exercise heightened caution when driving in adverse weather conditions. Spare tires lack advanced treads, which means they cannot offer the same level of traction as your regular tires. Consequently, spare tires are more prone to slipping or hydroplaning, which involves sliding across the surface of puddles.

• The Shorter the Distance the Better

Ideally, limit your driving on a temporary or donut spare tire to no more than 50 miles. If circumstances require you to travel beyond 50 miles, try to avoid exceeding 70 miles on the spare tire. It's important to remember a spare tire is not intended as a permanent replacement for a regular tire; its purpose is to provide a temporary solution until you can properly replace the damaged tire.

• Drive Slow

It is advisable not to exceed a speed of 50 mph while driving on a temporary or donut spare tire, given their significantly reduced traction and durability compared to standard tires. Moreover, driving at higher speeds or for extended distances on a spare tire is generally not recommended, as it can make your vehicle handle more like an airplane on a runway rather than a car on a highway.

Shop Tires by Vehicle at Wheel & Tire Superstore Today!

If you require tire replacement for your existing tires or want to replace your spare, trust Wheel & Tire Superstore! We are your one-stop shop for wheel and tire services in Cedar Park, TX. Contact us today!