When one of our car’s tires goes flat, we tend to think that switching it out for the spare fixes the problem. But while this gets you out of immediate trouble, it’s important to remember that spares don’t possess the same longevity that standard vehicle tires do. In fact, they aren’t meant to be used for very long at all. This is how long you can drive on a spare tire and what makes these products different from other tires.

Spare vs Regular Driving Tires

Before we can discuss the typical longevity of a spare tire, it’s important to understand what makes them different from regular tire models. First, spare tires feature a smaller overall height and width. While they’ll still fit on your vehicle, the amount of traction and weight they must sustain will cause them to wear much faster. This means that their treads simply won’t last very long. Spare tires are also made from cheaper materials. After all, they’re intended to be a quick fix rather than a full replacement. For this reason, spare tire treads are much shallower than what’s considered standard. Additionally, the rims are composed of a lightweight material that can break easily.

When To Stop Driving on a Spare

When it comes to how long you can drive on a spare tire, the general rule is that you shouldn’t drive on it for more than 50 miles. Wear will begin to develop quickly, and these models offer no shock absorption for rougher terrain. This means that not only will they lose their effectiveness, but the quality of your ride will drop. Driving on a spare for too long can even cause damage to other parts of your vehicle. If you’ve been driving around on one for some time, it’s critical that you pick up a replacement as soon as possible. Fortunately, RNR Tire Express can help. Our stock of quality tires in Greensboro, NC contains models for all types of vehicles. They are manufactured by some of the industry’s best brands. We can ensure you’ll find the products you want.