It depends on the kind of spare. A full-size spare can be used like a normal tire, while a temporary spare, often called a “donut”, is only meant to get you to a tire shop.
Temporary “donut” spares
Most temporary spares are designed for about 50 to 70 miles of driving and a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). The exact limits are printed on the tire’s sidewall or on a label near it, and in the owner’s manual. These spares are narrower and lighter than a normal tire, with shallow tread, so they offer less grip and less stability.
Going beyond those limits increases the risk of a blowout, and the narrow tire can affect braking, handling and electronic systems like ABS and stability control. On some all-wheel-drive cars, driving a long way on a smaller spare can also strain the drivetrain; check your manual.
Full-size spares
A full-size spare that matches the other tires can be driven normally. If it is a matching spare that has been part of a tire rotation, nothing changes. If it is an older or different tire, have it checked and plan to replace the damaged one soon, since mismatched tires can affect handling.
Driving on a temporary spare
- Check its pressure as soon as possible. Temporary spares need a high pressure, often 60 psi, and they lose air while sitting unused.
- Drive gently and avoid the highway if you can.
- Leave more braking distance and take corners slowly.
- Go to a tire shop the same day or the next.
Do not use a donut as a permanent tire, and never put two temporary spares on the same car.
Keep your spare ready
Spares are often forgotten until the day they are needed. Check the pressure a few times a year, look for cracks, and remember that rubber ages: a spare more than six to ten years old may need replacing even if it has never been used. Make sure the jack and wrench are in the car.
Many newer cars have no spare at all, only a sealant kit; our guide to dealing with a flat tire explains the options, and choosing the right tires covers replacement.
