5 Facts About Spare Tires

Long ago, a full-sized spare tire lived in your car's trunk, ready to replace any flat tire. The original tire got a patch and became the spare. Almost no cars any more are large enough to carry a full-sized spare already mounted in the trunk. Thus the small temporary spare tire, or "donut" was invented.

Compact Spare Tires

A compact spare tire fits into the base of your trunk, already mounted and inflated, on a small-diameter wheel. It is not meant to be a permanent replacement for your full-size wheel and tire. Rather, it will assist you in an emergency so you can reach the nearest service station or car dealer to have a new full-sized tire and wheel installed.

Driving Distance for a Compact Spare Tire

It is recommended that you not drive any farther than 50 miles on a "donut" spare tire.

Driving Speed on a Compact Spare Tire

50 miles per hour is the suggested maximum speed for a compact spare tire. This means no high-speed expressway driving - drive only on municipal roads.

Safe Air Pressure for a Compact Spare Tire

A compact spare tire should be inflated to 60 pounds per square inch (psi) pressure. Pump more air into your spare if it is below this pressure.