How Fast Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

Having a flat tire is now fun, but fortunately just about all new cars, trucks, and SUVs come with a spare tire, so no matter where you are in the Central Illinois area, you can replace the flat tire and get back on the road. One question you may have however is “How fast can I drive on a spare tire?” Some drivers believe you can drive at any speed on a spare, while others say you should drive slowly and avoid the highway for as long as the spare tire is on your car. So, how fast can you go on a spare tire? A space-saver, or “donut” spare, is typically rated for driving at 50 mph or less. Learn more about how fast you can drive on a spare tire in this guide from the service team at Sam Leman Automotive Group.

How Fast Can You Go on a Spare Tire: Space-Saver Spare

Most new vehicles come equipped with a space-saver spare or “donut” spare. These tires are much smaller than a regular tire, and so they take up less space in your vehicle and are significantly lighter than a full-size tire. The common speed rating for a space-saver tire is 50 mph. The speed rating for your spare should be printed on the side of the tire. You can also check your owner’s manual to find the recommended driving speed for your spare. Here are the basic facts regarding space-saver spares:

• How Fast Can I Drive on a Spare Tire: 50 mph.
• How Long Can I Drive on a Spare Tire: 70 miles

Note that because of its smaller size, a space-saver tire will provide less traction than a full-size spare. This will negatively affect performance, especially at high speeds. If you have had to put a space-saver spare on your car, you should replace it with the proper full-size tire as soon as possible.

How Fast Can You Go on a Spare Tire: Full-Size Spare

If you drive a truck or SUV, your vehicle most likely will come with a full-size spare. While a full-size tire can usually be driven on without any speed restriction, you may need to have it replaced if it is a different type of tire than those that are currently on your vehicle. A tire with a different tread pattern than the other tires on your vehicle can cause poor traction and handling. It is best to visit the experts in the Sam Leman Automotive Group Service Center near you to find a tire that offers a better fit as soon as you can.

Get Professional Tire Care Today at Sam Leman Automotive Group

The answer to the question, “How fast can I drive on a spare tire?” depends on the type of spare you have. The certified technicians at Sam Leman Automotive Group have the skill and expertise to handle all of your tire care needs. Whether you’re due for your next tire rotation or wheel alignment, or if you need a new set of tires installed, you can count on our team to get the job done right. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.