What is the recommended driving speed after changing to a spare tire?
2 Answers
After changing to a spare tire, the driving speed should not exceed 80 kilometers per hour. Driving distance: The distance a car can drive with a spare tire depends on the type of spare tire. A full-size spare tire can be driven for over 100 kilometers, while a compact spare tire should not be driven for more than about 60 kilometers. Spare tire installation: Generally, tires with an OUTSIDE mark (external mark) and the production date on the same side should have the production date facing outward when installed. For symmetrical tread tires, there is no inside or outside distinction, but it is best to have the side with the production date facing outward. For unidirectional tread tires, they should be installed in the direction of the arrow, which indicates the rolling direction of the wheel.
After putting on the spare tire, my advice is to keep your speed below 50 mph or 80 km/h. This is a common standard from car manufacturers because temporary spare tires are usually not full-size—they're smaller than the original tires, with lower load capacity and poor balance. Driving too fast can easily cause body vibrations or even loss of control. With decades of driving experience, I can tell you that spare tires are only for emergencies—they're designed to get you safely to a repair shop, not for long-distance or high-speed driving. If I'm driving on a spare in rainy weather or on mountain roads, I slow down even more, to around 40 mph, because slippery roads combined with the spare's reduced traction significantly increase braking distance. Always check the tire pressure—the spare must be inflated to the specified value. I usually check the pressure gauge right after installation, as too low or too high can be dangerous. When driving on a spare, don’t go too far—ideally, replace it within 50 miles, or the wheel rim could deform. Safety first—stay cautious and stick to the slow lane.
