How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

Full-Size Spare Tire

Many rides, especially older models, were built with space for a full-size spare tire. If you drive a truck or a sport utility vehicle, you may have a full-size spare available. True, these tires are heavier and require more space to store.

However, they are also more durable. They’ll handle the drive similar to a normal tire, and of all the available spare tires, this one will provide the most mileage. It could potentially last the same length of time as a normal tire.

Keep in mind, though, that if you haven’t made this fifth tire part of your regular tire rotation, it will not have been used to the same extent as the other tires. In fact, it may be an entirely different type of tire. For that reason, we still suggest replacing the spare with a new tire when you can.

Donut Spare Tire

Donut spares are more common in the world of spare tires. These compact spares were designed to save space and weight, but they aren’t built to last like normal tires. Check your owner’s manual to know how much time and speed you can put on them.

A good rule of thumb? Drive no farther than 70 miles and no faster than 50 miles per hour on a donut spare tire. Ideally, you should plan to make the service center your next stop when you change a flat to a donut spare tire.  

Donut spare tires are smaller than your other three regular tires, so a donut spare will have to spin faster to maintain momentum and keep up. They also typically have very little tread, so they may leave you more vulnerable in certain situations.

Run-Flat Tire

Run-flat tires are not technically spare tires. Rather, they’re tires that are tough enough to withstand typical road hazards, including punctures. They won’t go flat or blow out like a traditional tire—they can continue to drive for about 50 miles after experiencing a puncture.

These tires cost more to replace than a typical tire, but that means you won’t have to deal with changing a flat yourself. Rather, you can drive to the nearest service center and let them handle the job.