Getting a flat tire during your Danville drives can be incredibly frustrating. That is why it is important to travel with a spare tire, so you don’t get stranded far away from home. How long can you drive on a spare tire? There are a few guidelines to keep in mind to ensure optimal safety on Reidsville, NC roads.

The Basics of Driving on a Spare Tire

If you notice that you have a flat tire, hopefully, a simple tire repair is all you need. However, you may need to end up purchasing a new tire or tires, which can be pricey. Because of this, many drivers prolong driving on a spare tire as long as possible. This may not be a good idea, though. Just how long can you drive on a spare tire. According to many automotive technicians, the answer is “it depends.” The type of spare tire you have can make a difference in how long you can drive safely before you will need to replace the tire.

• Full-Size Spare Tire – Many years ago, vehicles were built with spare tire wells that were large enough to accommodate a full-size spare tire. Nowadays, that’s not always the case. However, if you have a larger vehicle, like an SUV or a truck, your vehicle may still come with a full-size spare tire. While it may seem like this brand new tire will be good for many years, it has not sustained the same level of wear as the other three tires on your vehicle. Your vehicle’s handling could be compromised, leading to unsafe driving. It is best to replace your tires when it is affordable for you to do so.
• Donut Spare Tire – This type of tire has a more compact design to save space in your vehicle. Donut spare tires were not designed to be driven for long distances because they have little to no tread. While your owner’s manual should provide guidelines on how long it is safe to use this kind of spare tire, the general rule is that it should not be driven on for more than 70 miles or at speeds higher than 50 mph. Additionally, if you drive on this kind of spare tire for long distances, you could end up damaging other components of the vehicle, like the transmission.

Tire Safety Tips

To ensure that your vehicle’s tires last as long as possible, there are a few easy tire maintenance tips worth following.

• Rotate your tires approximately every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.
• Keep tires fully inflated at all times.
• Regularly check your tire pressure.
• Monitor tire tread depth on a regular basis.

Learn More About Tire Safety with Gunter CDJR Martinsville

If you have been driving on a spare tire for too long, it is time to stop by Gunter CDJR Martinsville for a new set of tires. If you have any questions about tire maintenance, or how often to change your oil, our technicians would be glad to assist you. Contact us today, and check out some of our other service tips like how to change spark plugs.