What is the maximum time you can drive on a spare tire? What is the fastest way to get a spare tire?

Flat tires are not fun. However, if you do have one, you can still get to the tire shop. With a little luck, the shop can repair your tire. However, you might be asking – how long can you drive on a spare and is it okay to travel at normal speeds?

The answer isn’t as simple as one would think. You might need to replace the flat tire with one of many types. Some cars have a spare that matches the other four, while compact cars tend to have what’s known as a donut (space-saver spare). Knowing the tire type you have will help you determine how far you are able to drive.

What is the maximum distance you can drive on a spare tire?

You can drive as far with a spare tire of the same size as your other tires if you have one. You can travel 50 miles with a spare donut tire. But it's best to get it changed as soon possible.

Donut spare tires are a huge security risk that should never be left behind.

Distance of Spare Tires by Type

1. Spare Tires in Full Size

A lot of cars can hold full-size spare tires in their tire wells. You will likely find this if your car is larger than a standard vehicle such as an SUV or truck. Although it is not for everyone, the spare tire can be as big as a normal one if you look after it. 

The benefit to this is that you can use the spare as a regular tire and purchase a new spare if that’s easier. Your tire shop will only need to place your spare on its original rim and test the air pressure. It’s one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to deal with a flat tire. 

On the flip side, if you haven’t used the spare in a long time, it could be a different tire from the other three on your vehicle. Sometimes, the difference could cause problems with driving. If you can’t get a perfect match, it’s often best to purchase a new tire. 

2. Donut spare tire/Space-Saver

In order to reduce space manufacturers introduced the small spare known as the "donut". Not only does this tire need less room on the vehicle, but it’s also lightweight. These tires are not made to last, but they can be used to get to the repair shop. 

The owner’s manual is going to offer the best recommendation for driving speed and the time that you can spend on this tire. However, it’s normally recommended that you find a shop within 70 miles and you don’t exceed 50 mph on a donut. 

If you examine the tread of the compact tire, you will quickly see why you shouldn’t be relying on it. Tires with little to no tread are more susceptible than others to damage by road debris or blowouts. 

You will also notice a thinner spare tire than normal. You may experience handling problems, particularly if you put the spare tire on the front wheel that is responsible for steering.

3. Tires with Run Flat

Because they are more cost-effective than traditional tires, the popularity of run-flat tires has increased. Run-flat tires might be installed on your MINI, BMW or other vehicle to replace traditional tires. While these tires are meant to be tough, they aren’t going to last forever. 

These tires are specifically designed to handle most road hazards and punctures. This tire isn’t going to blow out or go flat like the traditional tire. The puncture does not stop the tire from driving for approximately 50 miles. The downside is that these tires can be more costly to replace. You will have to spend extra to get new tires. 

What is the fastest I can drive on a spare tire?

Each spare tire is rated in a different way. The side recommendations should be easy to locate. If you're looking for a full-size, the speed rating of your spare tire will be less than 50 mph.

On top of that, you won’t want to drive it farther than necessary. 

There are times when you're in a tight spot and you need a spare. There are many tire shops located within a short distance of almost any location in the United States. If you need to travel further than you'd like, you can follow the same guidelines as you would if driving on the streets. Drive straight and keep the car in the slow lane. You don’t want to jerk the wheel around or make any unnecessary lane changes. You will need to activate your hazard lights if you travel slower than other traffic. 

You will be prepared for any unfortunate events by having a plan in place before they happen.