If you've had to replace a tire on your car with a spare, you may be wondering, "How long can I drive on a spare tire?" A full-size spare gives you more time and mileage, but most smaller space-saver tires should only be driven on for 70 miles at most. No matter what type of spare tire you have, it is recommended that you replace it with a new tire as soon as possible. Learn more about how long you can drive on a spare tire in this guide from the experts in the Service Center at Cadillac Of Beverly Hills.

How Long Can You Drive on a Space-Saver Spare Tire?

You can drive on a space-saver spare tire for no more than 70 miles at speeds up to 50 mph. Most new vehicles come equipped with a space-saver spare, also known as a "donut" spare. You'll know right away whether or not you have a space-saver spare because they are much smaller than a regular tire. These space-saver spares come with certain restrictions on how long they should be used. If you're asking yourself, "How long can I drive on a spare tire," or "How fast can I go on a spare tire", consider the following:

• Space-saver spares cannot be driven over 50 mph.
• Space-saver spare tires shouldn't be driven for more than 70 miles.
• You'll have less traction than with a full-size spare.
• Your space-saver spare may list additional usage restrictions on the tire itself. At any rate, you'll want to get to our Santa Monica-area Service Center quickly to repair your old tire or purchase a new one.

How Long Can You Drive on a Full-Size Spare Tire?

You can drive on a full-size spare tire longer than a space-saver spare, but you should still replace it as soon as you can. A full-size spare is often included with new trucks and SUVs. The spare will most likely be a different type of tire with a different tread pattern than the other tires on your vehicle, and this may cause poor traction and handling. You should stop by Cadillac Of Beverly Hills to find a tire that offers a better fit as soon as possible. Our team will help you understand what the numbers mean on your tire sidewall, so you get the right tire for your vehicle.

What Is a Run-Flat Tire and How Long Can You Drive on It?

A run-flat tire is manufactured to maintain pressure and remain inflated for about 50 miles following a puncture. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of run-flat tires include:

• They will remain inflated for about 50 miles following a puncture.
• They are more durable than a space-saver tire or full-size spare.
• They are often priced higher than a standard tire.
• Even if you are driving on a run-flat tire, you should pay attention to your tire pressure monitor. If it shows that it's running low, stop the vehicle and inspect the tires. If there is a visible puncture on your run-flat tire, you should head to your local Sherman Oaks-area service center to repair or replace it right away.

Where Can You Get Expert Tire Care Near Sherman Oaks?

You can get expert tire care near Sherman Oaks at Cadillac Of Beverly Hills, where our certified technicians provide professional tire care for your vehicle. As you can see, the answer to the question, "How long can I drive on a spare tire?" depends on the type of spare you have. At Cadillac Of Beverly Hills near Sherman Oaks, we carry a great selection of competitively priced tires, and the certified technicians in our Service Center can provide the professional tire care your Cadillac needs. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Service Center.

What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About Spare Tires?

Below are answers to common questions regarding driving limits and specifications for space-saver spares, full-size spares, and run-flat tires.

How far and fast can you drive on a space-saver spare tire?
Space-saver spare tires should not be driven for more than 70 miles or at speeds exceeding 50 mph.

How long can you drive on a full-size spare tire?
A full-size spare can be driven longer than a space-saver spare, but you should still replace it as soon as possible because its tread pattern and tire type may cause poor traction and handling.

How far can you drive on a run-flat tire after a puncture?
Run-flat tires are manufactured to maintain pressure and remain inflated for about 50 miles following a puncture.