How long can you drive on a spare tyre?

The spare tyre is a bit like a fire extinguisher. You're glad it's there. You've never really looked at it. You have a vague sense of how it works. And when you suddenly need it, it's not the time to start reading instructions.

Most people know you can drive on a spare. What fewer people know is that there are specific limitations and ignoring them can create new problems.

KEY TAKEAWAY: A spare tyre — particularly a space-saver — is designed to get you to a tyre shop, not back to normal driving life.

The Two Types of Spare

Full-size spares

• Shares the same diameter and width as your regular tyres. This is what older vehicles and many 4WDs carry. With the correct pressure and matched tread pattern, a full-size spare can be driven on normally, though we'd recommend getting your original tyre repaired promptly.

Space-saver spares

• The narrow "skinny" spare on most modern passenger cars that are subject to strict limitations such as maximum speed typically 80km/h, distance limitations, and not suitable for motorway driving or as a long-term substitute. Driving them at highway speed generates heat they're not designed to handle, and the handling characteristics of your vehicle change noticeably with one fitted.

The AWD Complication

If you drive an AWD vehicle, fitting a different diameter space-saver spare can put stress on the drivetrain. The rotational speed difference between the spare and the three full-size tyres forces the differential and transfer case to work against themselves continuously.

If you're looking for a replacement, we stock a wide range of replacement tyres for rapid fitting. Come visit us today or call us on  (03) 9560 0442 and we'll get you off the spare and back to normal promptly.