How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

Wondering, “How long can I drive on a spare tire?”, Patty Peck Honda is here to help. It’s important to replace your spare tire as soon as possible, but the actual mileage you can safely put on a spare tire depends on the type of tire it is. A full-size spare gives you more time and mileage, but smaller space-saver tires should only be driven on for 70 miles tops. Learn more about spare tire safety from the experts in our service center.

Space-Saver Spare Tire

If you get a flat out on the road near Jackson and find that your spare is smaller than your normal tires, then you have a space-saver spare, or “donut” spare. Space-saver spares are included on many new vehicles and come with certain restrictions:

• Cannot be driven over 50 miles per hour
• Shouldn’t be driven for more than 70 miles
• Less traction than with a full-size spare

Any additional usage restrictions will be listed on the tire itself. If you’ve had to use your space-saver tire, you should plan on visiting our service center as soon as possible to have our certified technicians repair your old tire or install a new one.

Full-Size Spare

A full-size spare is often included with new trucks and SUVs. It can be used longer than a space-saver spare, but you’ll still want to get the tire replaced as soon as you can. The spare will most likely not be the same brand as your other tires, and that can cause poor traction and handling. In addition, the tread won’t have the same wear as the other tires, which can also adversely affect handling. Stop by Patty Peck Honda to find a tire that offers a better fit as soon as you can.

What is a Run-Flat Tire?

Run-flat tires are designed to maintain pressure even after a puncture. They offer the following advantages and disadvantages:

• Remains inflated for about 50 miles following a puncture
• Tougher than a space-saver tire or full-size spare
• Often costs more than a standard tire

If you have run-flat tires and your tire pressure monitor shows that it’s running low, stop the vehicle and inspect your tires. With a visible puncture on a run-flat tire, you’ll want to head to our local Brandon-area service center to repair or replace it.

Get Honda Service and Tire Care at Patty Peck Honda

In our Honda Tire Store, we carry a wide variety of competitively priced tires that are perfect for your Honda car, truck, or SUV. If you need a flat repaired, or are ready for your next tire rotation, schedule an appointment with our service center. We offer a wide range of service specials and coupons that can help Madison drivers save money on oil changes, brake replacement, and more. Let us help you keep up to date on all of your Honda maintenance today!