Driving on a Spare Tire

It depends on what type of spare you have. A full-size spare matching your regular tires can be driven normally but should be treated as temporary until the original tire is repaired or replaced. A compact spare (donut) is designed for emergency use only, with a lower speed and mileage limit. Always check the sidewall of your spare for its specific restrictions — they vary by tire.

Do not exceed 50 mph on a compact spare, and avoid aggressive acceleration, hard braking, or sharp cornering. Compact spares have shallower tread and less load capacity than your regular tires and are not built for normal driving. If you're on a full-size spare, normal speeds apply, but still get to a service center as soon as possible.

Avoid it where possible. If you must, stay well under 50 mph and move to the right lane. Driving a donut spare at highway speeds creates real risks: potential tire failure, reduced control, and handling imbalance in emergency braking. Route yourself to the nearest service center using surface roads when you can.

Yes, and most drivers skip this. A spare sitting unused in the trunk loses pressure over months or years without any visible sign. Check it at least once a year. The correct inflation pressure is printed on the spare's sidewall — compact spares are often inflated to a higher PSI than your regular tires. An under-inflated spare is unreliable when you actually need it.

Many newer vehicles come with either run-flat tires or a tire mobility kit (sealant and inflator) in place of a spare. A mobility kit can temporarily seal and reinflate small tread punctures, but won't help with sidewall damage or a blowout. Carrying a portable inflator and a plug kit covers you for straightforward roadside punctures. For broader coverage, an active roadside assistance plan is worth having regardless of which option your car came with.