How Far Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
Depending on the size of your spare tire, you can generally drive between 30 and 50 miles before needing to replace or repair your tire. If you have a full-sized spare tire, you will be able to drive much further than if you have a “donut” spare, which is only meant for short distances. Of course, it is always best to get your tire fixed as soon as possible so that you can avoid any further damage. driving on a spare tire for too long can cause additional wear and tear that may make it more difficult (and more expensive) to fix later on.
Types of Spare Tires
There are three main types of spare tires: full-sized, temporary/compact, and run-flat.
- Full-Sized: A full-sized spare is an exact replica of the other four tires on your car. It will have the same size, tread pattern, speed rating, and load capacity as the rest of your tires. This type of spare is the best option because it will allow you to drive normally and not have to worry about any negative effects on your handling or gas mileage.
- Temporary/Compact: A temporary or compact spare is also known as a “donut” tire. It is smaller than a full-sized spare and usually has a smaller load capacity. This type of spare should only be used for a short period of time (hence the name “temporary”) because it can cause problems with your car’s handling. Additionally, driving on a donut tire for too long can damage your wheel or axle.
- Run-Flat: A run-flat tire is designed to allow you to keep driving even if the tire has been punctured. These tires usually have reinforced sidewalls that prevent them from collapsing in on themselves when they lose air pressure. While this type of tire can be convenient, they are often more expensive than other types of tires and may not be available for all vehicles.
How to change a tire
Changing a tire is a relatively simple process that anyone can learn.
First, you will need to find a safe place to stop your car. Once you have found a safe spot, turn on your hazard lights and set the parking brake.
Next, you will need to remove the hubcap or wheel cover (if there is one) and loosen the lug nuts with a wrench. You do not need to remove the lug nuts at this point, just loosen them enough so that they can be turned by hand.
After the lug nuts are loosened, you will need to jack up the car so that the flat tire is off the ground. Once the car is jacked up, remove the lug nuts and then the flat tire.
To install the spare tire, simply line it up with the wheel and thread the lug nuts onto the bolts. Once the lug nuts are tight, lower the car to the ground and give them another good tightening with the wrench.
And that’s it! You should now be able to continue on your way.
Of course, you will want to get your flat tire fixed as soon as possible so that you don’t have to rely on your spare for too long.
It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your tires so that you can catch any problems before they become serious. This means checking the tread depth regularly and looking for any signs of damage, such as cracks or bulges in the sidewall.
How to drive safely on a spare tire
If you find yourself driving on a spare tire, there are a few things you can do to help ensure your safety.
First, avoid driving at high speeds. This will help to prevent any further damage to your tire and will also give you more time to react if something does happen.
Second, be sure to check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires can cause problems with your car’s handling and can also lead to premature wear.
Finally, take care when braking and turning. Sudden movements can cause your car to lose traction, so it is important to be smooth and gradual when applying the brakes or turning the wheel.
By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself safe while driving.