How long can you drive on a spare tire?

Driving a car is a privilege that most people take for granted. But, unfortunately, there are still many areas in the United States where roads and highways aren’t well maintained or simply don’t exist. To be prepared when you find yourself stranded on one of these back roads, it’s important to know how long you can drive with your spare tire before having to replace it. At least every 5 years from the date of manufacture, all cars should have their tires rotated and checked for proper inflation levels.

How long can you drive on a spare tire?

Once properly inflated, most people can drive at least 30 miles on their spare tire. A car’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) doesn’t provide guidelines for how many miles you should expect to get out of your spare tire. Get solution: Why Does My Car Smell Like It’s Burning Oil

The 30-mile figure comes from Kelly Springfield, a large nationwide motor club that provides towing services for stranded motorists. The company’s representative suggests drivers should always check their spare tire once they’ve changed it out to make sure it has adequate air pressure and is ready for use. The recommendation is based on the expectation you’ll be driving at least 30 miles or more.

It may be possible to drive up to 50 miles, but there’s a possibility you might have to replace the spare tire as well. This could be caused by heat from driving or simply daily wear and tear on your spare tire from being in use for a long time.

Choose a good spare tire

The number one factor in choosing the best spare tire is to make sure it matches your original tires. There are a few small differences, but a major mismatch could be potentially hazardous. If you’re unsure about what type of car tire specifications you should be looking for, consult with a professional mechanic or OEM representative before going shopping. When buying a replacement spare tire, look for the same qualities you would in a normal car tire. A good spare tire should be durable and long-lasting, but not so expensive that it will break your bank to buy it.

If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), make sure that the spare tire is ABS compatible. Otherwise, you could lose all safety benefits your ABS system offers.

When driving on a spare tire, make sure to drive cautiously and slowly until you can get it properly changed out for a new one. If you’re in an area where there is no cell phone reception, consider taking along an emergency kit that includes some food and water, as well as an extra spare tire.

If you’re interested in learning more about the best way to change your own tire, consult with local professionals or watch instructional videos online. You can prevent yourself from being stranded while still on the road by changing out your current flat for a spare before it fails completely.

Conclusion

So the answer to the question ‘how long can you drive on a spare tire?’ is 30 miles, but you could drive up to 50 miles. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), make sure that the spare tire is ABS compatible. Otherwise, you could lose all safety benefits your ABS system offers. When driving on a spare tire, make sure to drive cautiously and slowly until you can get it properly changed out for a new one.