What happens if you go over 50 mph with a spare tire?
Going over 50 mph with a spare tire, particularly the common compact "donut" spare, is risky. These tires are designed for short-term use at low speeds and distances, and exceeding the limit can raise the chances of a blowout, worsen handling and braking, and may cause damage to the spare and the vehicle. The safest approach is to stay at or below 50 mph and replace the tire with a proper one as soon as possible.
Spare tires come in several forms—compact donuts, full-size spares, and, in some cars, run-flat or space-saving variants—each with its own guidelines. The exact limit is usually printed on the spare's sidewall or listed in the owner's manual, so check those before driving off.
Speed limits and the spare you have
The following notes explain how different spare types affect safe driving and why the 50 mph cap exists on most donuts.
These are the key safety implications of exceeding the spare's rating.
- Heat buildup at higher speeds can cause the donut to overheat, leading to tread separation or a blowout.
- Handling and braking performance are markedly worse, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
- The spare's smaller width or diameter can produce vibrations, steering pull, and triggers for stability systems that may feel abrupt.
- Using a mismatched tire for an extended period can place extra stress on suspension components and may wear other tires unevenly.
- Driving long distances on a spare increases the risk of damage if you encounter road hazards or heavy loads.
In practice, stay within the spare's rating and get back to a proper tire as soon as possible.
What to do if you must drive on a spare beyond its rating
If you find yourself needing to drive farther than recommended while using a spare, follow these steps to maximize safety.
- Limit your speed to the spare's rating (usually 50 mph/80 km/h) and avoid aggressive driving or high-speed ramps.
- Plan the fastest route to a tire shop or service center and avoid unnecessary detours or highway detours when possible.
- Check the spare's pressure and inspect for visible damage before driving; ensure it is properly seated on the wheel.
- Drive conservatively, keeping a larger following distance and avoiding sudden maneuvers.
- As soon as you reach a service location, have the spare replaced with a proper tire or a full-size spare that matches the vehicle's tires.
Once you replace the spare with a proper tire, you can resume normal driving. Do not rely on a spare for long periods.
Summary
Spare tires are intended as temporary measures to get you to a repair shop. For most donut spares, speed limits are about 50 mph (80 km/h) and travel distance around 50-70 miles, though exact figures can vary by vehicle. Exceeding the limit raises the risk of blowouts, reduces handling and braking performance, and can stress the drivetrain and other tires if used for too long. Always check the spare’s label or the owner's manual for the precise rating, drive cautiously, and replace the spare with a proper tire as soon as possible.
What happens if you drive with a spare tire for too long?
Temporary: Our Clermont Toyota car care experts recommend no further than 50 miles with a temporary spare tire. If you decide to drive too far on a temporary, you can get damage on your spare and your car as it is smaller than the other tires. This causes your car to have stress and damage to your transmission.
Can I go 60 mph on a donut?
No, you cannot safely go 60 mph on a donut spare tire, as the maximum recommended speed is 50 mph. Exceeding this limit can cause the tire to fail, which is dangerous and can lead to a serious accident.
Why you should not exceed 50 mph
- Designed for short distances: Donut spares are intended for emergency use only to get you to a repair shop, not for extended driving.
- Not built for high stress: These tires are smaller and have a different construction than a standard tire. They cannot handle the same stresses as a regular tire, especially at high speeds.
- Increased risk of failure: Going faster increases the risk of a tire blowout, warping, or uneven wear.
- Different spinning speed: The smaller diameter of a donut tire means it has to spin faster to keep up with the other wheels, adding to the stress.
What to do instead
- Check the tire: Ensure the spare is properly inflated to the recommended pressure, which is often higher than a standard tire (e.g., 60 psi).
- Drive at or below 50 mph: Adhere to the speed limit on the tire's sidewall, which is typically 50 mph.
- Drive short distances: Avoid driving more than 50–70 miles on the spare.
- Drive to a repair shop: Your primary goal should be to get to a tire shop to replace your flat tire as quickly as possible.
Why can you only do 50 mph on a space-saver?
Because if it's a space saver it's not perfectly balanced and the materials are not designed for high speed running.
Can you drive more than 50 miles on a donut?
Space-saver spares or donuts should be driven no more than 50 miles. If you've needed to use your spare, make an appointment at a tire shop or with a trusted mechanic as soon as possible. These temporary spares are usually not the same size as the rest of your tires.
