You can generally drive about 50 miles on a spare tire, especially if it is a compact "donut" spare, and you should keep your speed at or below 50 mph. This is because compact spares have less traction and different handling characteristics than regular tires, making them suitable only for short-term emergency use until you can get a proper tire replacement
. Full-size spare tires, if in good condition and matching your vehicle's tire size, can be driven much longer and at normal speeds, similar to regular tires. However, even with a full-size spare, it is advisable to replace the flat tire as soon as possible because the spare may have different tread wear and could affect vehicle handling
. Run-flat tires, which are a different category, allow driving up to about 50-70 miles at reduced speeds after a puncture, providing more convenience but are not the same as typical spares
. In summary:
- Compact "donut" spare: about 50 miles max, speed limit ~50 mph.
- Full-size spare: can be driven longer but should still be replaced promptly.
- Run-flat tires: about 50-70 miles at reduced speeds.
Always check your vehicle’s owner's manual and any labels on the spare tire for specific guidance
