How Long Can I Drive on a Spare Tire?

Flat Tire

Did one of your tires give up on you when you’re out and about in Clearfield? If so, you might be using a spare and you might be wondering, “How long can I drive on a spare?” While a spare tire will get you back on the road quickly, it’s a short-term solution so you can have a bit more time to get a tire replacement. Most smaller space-saver tires need to be replaced within 70 miles at most. Find out more about how long you can drive on a spare tire with Spitzer Subaru’s service team in this guide.

How Long Can You Drive on a Space-Saver Spare Tire?

If you have a space-saver or “donut” spare, you’ll see that it is smaller than a normal tire. They’re included on many new vehicles and come with certain restrictions, such as:

  • They cannot be driven at speeds of over 50 miles per hour.
  • They shouldn’t be driven for more than 70 miles.
  • They provide less traction than a full-size spare.

If you’re using a space-saver spare in Philipsburg, you’ll want to get to the nearest service or tire center quickly to repair your old tire or purchase a new one.

How Long Can You Drive on a Full-Size Spare Tire?

What if you’re using a full-size spare instead? While they’re less common, they’re often included with new trucks and SUVs. Full-size spares can be used longer than a space-saver spare, but you’ll still want to get the tire replaced as soon as possible. Plus, it’s unlikely that it’s the same brand as your other tires, so you’ll experience poor traction and handling on the roads of Clarion. And since it’s new, it won’t have the same amount of wear as your other tires.

What is a Run-Flat Tire?

Run-flat tires can maintain pressure even after a puncture, so if you drove over a sharp object that punctured the tires, you won’t need a spare immediately. Instead, you can keep driving with it as it remains inflated for about 50 miles following a puncture. They are tougher than a space-saver tire or full-size spare, but they are often more expensive than a standard tire.

If you have run-flat tires and your tire pressure monitor shows that it’s running low, stop the car, park in a safe spot, and inspect your tires. A visible puncture on a run-flat tire means you’ll want to head to your local service center to repair or replace it.

Get More Tire Care Advice from Spitzer Subaru

Now that you know how long you can drive on a spare tire according to the type of spare, what’s next? There’s more to know about caring for your tires, so you can get the most out of it! Ask us any questions you may have or ask us for more information on how to make your tires last longer.

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1930 Blinker Pkwy, DuBois, PA, 15801
Spitzer Subaru 41.0805556, -78.7847222.