Flat tires can happen at any time, and an emergency spare tire is your best friend when road troubles strike. While having a spare in your trunk is helpful, knowing how to use it properly is just as critical.

Whether you’re driving on urban roads or navigating suburban commutes, knowing the best practices for using an emergency spare tire can prevent stressful situations and keep you on track.

Understanding Spare Tires

Understanding the basics of spare tires is a good starting point, including knowing how and when to use them. Usually, there are two types of spare tires: full-size spares and compact spares.

Full-size spares are regular-sized tires that can act as a permanent replacement for a flat tire. They are more convenient in the long run, but they usually take up more space. This is why compact spares are more common.

Compact spares, also known as donuts, are smaller and lighter than their full-size counterparts. These spares are for short-term use, whether to get the vehicle home or to a shop that can replace the tire.

Remember, compact spares come with limitations. They cannot withstand long drives or high speeds.

Best Practices for Using an Emergency Spare Tire

When faced with a flat tire, knowing how to use an emergency spare tire properly can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and avoiding further vehicle damage. Whether you’re using a full-size spare or a compact spare, following these guidelines will ensure you maximize safety and efficiency during the process.

1. Familiarize Yourself With Your Spare

Don’t wait until you’re stuck on the side of the road to check on your spare tire. Look in your trunk to see if your vehicle came with a spare tire; if you bought it new, then it usually does. Take time to locate it, learn how to access it, and understand its specifications. Look at the tire’s pressure requirements and regularly confirm that it’s in good condition. You don’t want to go looking for it after a flat only to realize your spare is also low on air.

Pro Tip

Check the spare tire’s pressure each time you check your regular tires (ideally once a month). Compact spares often lose pressure over time.

2. Understand When and How To Use It

Manufacturers design spare tires for temporary use in emergencies. If you experience a flat tire, safely pull over to a level and secure area before attempting to change it. Do your best to stay calm and collected while doing so.

Your car should have the following essentials: a quality jack, lug wrench, flashlight, and owner’s manual for guidance. These items will help you put the spare on your car.

Deciding whether to change your tire or use an alternative method to address a flat tire depends on the severity of the damage and the resources available to you. If the tire has a small puncture, a tire repair kit or sealant can temporarily fix the issue until you can visit a professional for a more permanent solution.

However, if the damage is extensive, such as a large tear or sidewall damage, it’s best to replace the tire. Always assess the situation carefully, and if you’re unsure about the best next steps, consider calling roadside assistance for help.

3. Check the Spare’s Limitations

The golden rule for donut spare is 50/50. This means no more than 50 miles of driving and a speed limit of no more than 50 miles per hour. With this rule, you won’t push the donut past its limitations, which could cause your spare tire to malfunction.

If you have a full-size spare, you can drive on it just like a normal tire, but you should treat compact spares as a temporary solution. Driving beyond these limits can significantly impact your car’s suspension and braking systems, potentially leading to more costly repairs down the road.

4. Drive Differently With a Spare

Once you install the spare, your car won’t handle quite the same. Spares, particularly compact ones, don’t offer the same stability as regular tires. So, stick to the golden rule and adjust your driving habits to accommodate the tire.

Driving on a compact spare means you should keep a consistent speed while avoiding sudden braking or sharp turns. Careful driving will reduce the strain on the car and the tires. If you’re on the highway, drive cautiously and stay in the right lane for your safety.

Pro Tip

Use your hazard lights in high-speed zones while driving on a spare as a signal to other drivers. They will know that you are unable to go faster and to go around you if necessary.

5. Repair the Tire Quickly

Spare tires are only a temporary fix, so taking your vehicle in for tire repair or replacement will still be necessary. Driving on a spare for longer than recommended can compromise your vehicle’s alignment, suspension, and braking system.

Contact a trusted tire professional as soon as possible to assess the damage to your tire. If it’s beyond repair, invest in a replacement immediately.

What To Do After Using Your Spare

The steps you take after installing and using a spare tire are just as important as the emergency installation itself. Once you get your regular tires repaired and back on the car, give your spare a good inspection. Look for any damage incurred during use and refill the pressure as needed.

Resecure your tools in your trunk so that your jack, lug wrench, and any other items are back in their designated spots. That way, you will have them ready if you need to replace another tire in the future.

Ensure your safety by following up with a professional to check that everything is back in order. They can tell you if any other tires are at risk or have any puncture marks that could go flat while you’re on the road. Once you complete these steps, you can drive without worrying about your vehicle’s tire health.

Need Help? Talk to Professionals

If you’re unsure about changing a tire or maintaining a spare, don’t hesitate to reach out to roadside assistance or a team of automotive experts for help. Knowing when to call in professional help can save you from costly repairs or hazardous situations.

Making Road Safety a Priority

Your spare tire is like a safety net. You might not think about it often, but when you need it, you’ll be thankful you’ve taken the time to understand how and when to use it. Following these practices to use your spare tire during an emergency, you can keep yourself and your vehicle safe while on the road.

Don’t let a flat tire hold you back. Visit RNR Tire Express, where you can easily find quality brand-name tires. Our Corpus Christi tire shop can help you find the right tires to replace your flat tire.

Locations: Corpus Christi, TX