How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

Anything can happen out there, and both city streets and highway stretches can present unpredictable challenges. At some point, you may hit a nail or pothole that deflates your tire. A spare tire makes for an excellent quick fix, but just how long can it last?
You’ll want to be safe and secure on your trips near Littleton, Parker, and Castle Rock, Colorado. The team at McDonald Volkswagen has your well-being in mind, so we’ve created this guide on what your next move should be after getting a spare tire on your car. Read on to learn more about it and keep safe!
About the Spare Tire
There are plenty of hazards that are hard to anticipate when you’re driving around. An especially hard bump, something sharp fallen on the road, and all sorts of other things can cause your Tire Pressure Monitor to light up. Once you pull over, it’s a good idea to contact roadside assistance to get a spare tire put on your ride.
This smaller and thinner spare tire looks noticeably different from a typical tire. The “donut” is a temporary fix designed to get you to a service center for further assistance. They’re a great thing to keep handy in case of mid-adventure accidents. The donut is a compact spare tire that doesn’t have the treads for long term performance in rough weather, meaning that you shouldn’t rely on it for regular driving.
How Should I Drive with a Spare Tire?
When you have a spare tire put on thanks to the assistance of a roadside technician, you should plan for your more permanent fix immediately. The spare tire will get you to the nearest Volkswagen service center as long as you drive responsibly and safely. The spare tire can tolerate speeds of up to 50 MPH, so you should be sure not to exceed it. Because of its compact nature, you should also stick to paved roads and avoid terrain like dirt, gravel, and any other off-road areas.
As long as you take your time and keep a steady pace, you’ll be able to reach a service center for further assistance. Drive smoothly and defensively to make sure you don’t find yourself in further trouble!
How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?
A compact spare tire like the donut is designed to be driven for about 50 miles. The spare is sturdy enough to get you to a service center for a new full-size tire if you head there right away. As we’ve learned, the donut is not a long-term solution, so you should plan on getting a proper fix ASAP.
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Visit our Volkswagen Service Center
When you find yourself in need of repairs, visit our team of certified Volkswagen technicians. They’ll be able to get you back out on the road safely. They can do more than tire fixes as well. General upkeep and engine diagnostics are provided by our experts, so you can trust our service crew with whatever your ride needs.
Now that you know how long you can drive on a spare tire, you’ll be prepared for help if you need it around Littleton, Castle Rock, and Parker, CO. Contact the team at McDonald Volkswagen for your next service appointment today!