How often should you replace a spare tyre?
Unless specified, you should get a new spare tire at 10 years to ensure it is safe to use,” says Ryan Pszczolkowski, CR’s tire program manager. You should inspect your spare tire periodically to look for any cracking or dry rot. How long can you drive on a spare tire? A donut should not be driven any longer than it takes for you to get your tire fixed. In general, you should not drive more than 50 miles with a donut. Donut spares are not the same size as the rest of your tires.When it comes to temporary spare tires, you should not go over 50 mph. This is because if you go any faster than the recommended mph, you can expect too much heat on the tire causing it to potentially blow out.After you’ve replaced your defective tire with a temporary spare, it’s important to remember the rule of 50. You shouldn’t drive more than 50 miles on a temporary tire or go faster than 50 mph. Spares are not meant to replace a tire and are exactly as they sound — temporary.If you have a full-size spare, you can drive up to 30,000 miles or more without a problem. However, if you have a donut, most experts recommend driving no more than 70 miles. That’s a huge difference, so let’s tell you why such a disparity exists and how to proceed with each type of spare tire.
How long can I use a spare tyre for?
A spare tyre is a temporary solution, and the general rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t travel more than 50 miles when you’ve got a spare fitted (unless you happen to have a full-size spare tyre). In the vast majority of cases, this should give you ample time to make your way to your nearest garage for some help. Spare tires, especially compact donut types, are designed for short-term use and have specific distance and speed limits. Typically, you should drive 80 to 160 kilometers (50 to 100 miles) on a spare tire and avoid exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph) speeds.Be extra careful when driving in inclement weather. Spare tires don’t have advanced treads, so they aren’t able to provide the traction your regular tires would. Spares are therefore more susceptible to slipping or hydroplaning (sliding across the surface of puddles).Removing the spare tire frees up space in the car. This is especially helpful in smaller cars, electric vehicles, or hybrid cars where every inch of space matters. Automakers can use that extra room for larger batteries, extra cargo space, or other features that appeal to buyers.
How many years will a spare tire last?
It may be hidden away, but it should not be forgotten. In fact, you should check and adjust its tire pressure at least seasonally. And know that, like bread, tires do expire. Unless specified, you should get a new spare tire at 10 years to ensure it is safe to use,” says Ryan Pszczolkowski, CR’s tire program manager. A full-size spare that’s more than six years old should be closely inspected, and most tire manufacturers recommend tire replacement—used or not—after 10 years. Storage conditions also matter. A spare kept in a hot, damp trunk or exposed to the elements underneath a truck can wear down even without being driven on.If you haven’t used your spare for a long time, ensure it still has the ideal PSI before using it. If it doesn’t, you can inflate it in gas stations, auto repair shops, or tire service centers.They lack the traction and durability of regular tires and can’t handle high speeds. Obey warnings about your spare to help avoid tire failure and loss of vehicle control. Follow this 50-50 rule of thumb when using a temporary emergency spare tire: Drive less than 50 miles, and keep your speed under 50 mph.Spare tires are susceptible to slow air loss and temperature fluctuations, so it’s important to check the air pressure regularly, preferably when you check your other tires. This ensures that your spare will be properly inflated if you need to use it.
Is a spare tire a permanent replacement?
While spare and donut tires are good for emergencies, they should never be considered permanent or semi-permanent replacements. The typical limit for most spares and donuts is about 50 miles, assuming the vehicle doesn’t travel over 50 mph. Donuts are emergency solutions intended solely for emergency situations, with an upper limit of no more than 50 miles, and should be replaced immediately. In the event that your vehicle comes with a full-size spare, you can drive it as usual.Full-size spares match your regular tires and let you keep driving normally. The right choice often depends on your vehicle and how much trunk space you’re willing to give up. Donuts are popular in cars where space and fuel economy are priorities.
Can I drive on a spare tire for 4 days?
Temporary spare tires have limited tread life. Keeping it on your car for a day or two until your first opportunity to get to the tire store might be OK, but only if you limit driving to less than 50 miles during that time. Do not let the tread wear down to the tread wear indicators built into the spare. Spare tires, especially compact donut types, are designed for short-term use and have specific distance and speed limits. Typically, you should drive 80 to 160 kilometers (50 to 100 miles) on a spare tire and avoid exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph) speeds.Essential safety tips for driving on a spare tyre limit your driving distance: temporary spare tyres aren’t built for long trips—100–150 km is the maximum (depending on the spare). Plan to replace it as soon as possible. Check the pressure: ensure your spare is inflated to the correct psi before hitting the road.Temporary spare tires have limited tread life. Keeping it on your car for a day or two until your first opportunity to get to the tire store might be OK, but only if you limit driving to less than 50 miles during that time. Do not let the tread wear down to the tread wear indicators built into the spare.