How Long Can a Spare Tire Be Driven on the Road?
2 Answers
How long a spare tire can be driven depends on its type: 1. A full-size spare tire can be driven for over 100 kilometers; 2. A compact spare tire can be driven for no more than around 60 kilometers. A spare tire refers to a backup tire for a car, with specifications identical to those of the original car tire. Precautions for using a spare tire include: 1. Regularly inspect the spare tire; 2. Avoid prolonged use; 3. The spare tire should not be involved in tire rotation; 4. Keep it away from oil products. Spare tires are categorized into full-size spare tires, compact spare tires, and run-flat tires, and they are typically placed in different locations depending on the vehicle model: under the trunk floor, hanging below the rear of the car, or fixed outside the trunk door.
As a veteran driver who frequently takes long trips, I've come to understand the purpose of a spare tire after experiencing several tire issues. It's for temporary emergency use only, not as a regular tire. You must drive at low speeds, not exceeding 80 km/h, ideally keeping it within a short distance range of 50-100 km. Driving too far or too fast can be dangerous because spare tires are smaller, have less grip, and are prone to skidding or blowing out. This can also damage the vehicle's suspension system and increase fuel consumption. More importantly, prolonged use can cause body imbalance, compromising safety. I recommend heading to the nearest repair shop immediately after changing to a spare tire to get it checked, along with verifying the spare tire's air pressure to ensure it can safely get you to your destination.