Posted on 5/30/2025
Spare tires are meant to get you out of a jam, not carry you hundreds of miles down the road. Whether you’re using a compact “donut” spare or a full-size spare tire, it’s important to understand that they’re not designed for long-term use. Driving on a spare for too long can lead to serious damage to your vehicle and even put your safety at risk. If you’ve got a spare tire on your vehicle right now, here’s why it’s crucial to replace it with a proper tire as soon as possible. The Difference Between a Spare and a Regular Tire Most compact spare tires, often called donuts, are smaller, lighter, and narrower than standard tires. They’re built to save space and reduce weight, but they do not provide the same performance, grip, or durability. Their limited tread depth and lower speed ratings are only suitable for short-term use—typically no more than 50 miles at speeds under 50 mph. Full-size spare tires are be ... read more