The Safest Ways to Drive on a Spare Tyre

The flat tyre can be at the most inconvenient moment, when you are going to work or you are going on a weekend trip. This is when your temporary spare tyre, a so-called doughnut on your car, comes in, and it is your best friend. But although it makes you get back on the road, it is not meant to travel long distances or speed. To be on a temporary spare tyre, care and awareness are necessary, and to prevent additional damage and accidents, it is necessary to take the right approach.

This is all you need to know about the safe usage of a spare tyre and when to get back to a standard tyre.

What Is a Temporary Spare Tyre?

A spare tyre is lighter and smaller than a normal tyre. It is just to be used in the short run to enable you to get to the closest garage or tyre shop. A temporary tyre is smaller in diameter and has fewer treads than a full-sized spare, and this attribute influences handling, braking and stability.

Due to this, it is important to keep in mind: a spare tyre is a life raft, and not a lifelong answer.

How Quickly and Far Can You Drive It?

In the vast majority of cases, temporary spare tyres are only rated to a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) and must not be driven at speeds exceeding 50 to 70 miles (80110 km). The vehicle manual always gives the actual limits.

Excessive speed or distance would result in overheating or bursting of the spare tyre because it has fewer treads and is built with a smaller weight. It may also have an impact on your car's suspension, braking, and differential.

Therefore, the last thing to do when you have changed your flat tyre is to design your path to the nearest professional tyre centre and have your damaged tyre repaired or replaced within the least possible time.

The Safety Advice When Using a Spare Tyre

Check the Air Pressure

The car should be checked before driving to ensure the air pressure in the spare tyre is correct. The average pressure of the temporary tyres is approximately 60 psi, which is greater than the normal ones. Spare tyres that have been used and are underinflated are likely to blow. Therefore, it is always a good practice to check the pressure of your car tyres, even when you do not use them for a long time.

Avoid Sudden Movements

Due to the low grip of the spare tyres, do not brake suddenly, take sharp turns and accelerate quickly. This may render your car unstable, particularly on wet or slippery roads. Be smooth with the driving and create room between you and other vehicles.

Keep an Eye on Handling

A temporary tyre in the rear or front of the car may cause your car to feel off when you are driving on it, specifically a temporary tyre. Pulling, increased braking distance, and less traction may be observed. Stay straight on the steering wheel and avoid all rough roads.

Don’t Use It on Multiple Tyres

A temporary spare is created to be able to substitute only one tyre. When you own more than one flat, you should have your car towed instead of driving. Multi-use temporary tyres have significantly lower safety and stability.

How to Determine When to Change the Spare With a Regular Tyre?

Temporary spares will only be a stopgap solution. Your original tyre should be inspected immediately after usage. In case it cannot be fixed in a safe manner, change it to a new one.

To have a solution that is stable and enduring, you can look at Bridgestone tyres Kidderminster, which are of great durability, grip, and performance. Your car tyres can be inspected, the wheels balanced, and your car will be ready to drive long distances again with the help of professional technicians.

Tyre Maintenance to Prevent Future Flats

To be able to avoid the risk of having to use your spare tyre in the near future, follow several of the basic maintenance tips:

•  Monitor tyre pressure every month and before long journeys.

•  Test tread depth - less than 1.6 mm is dangerous.

•  Rotate the tyres after every 5,000-8,000 miles to ensure even wear.

•  Do not use potholes and curbs that lead to sidewall damage.

In so doing, you will prolong the life of your car tyres Kidderminster, and have a smoother and safer ride.

Final Thoughts

A spare tyre may rescue the situation; however, the spare tyre is only a temporary solution. Always drive with care, maintain speed and distance limits as well and change your main tyre as fast as possible. Good tyres and frequent maintenance will ensure that you will not be caught on the road and will be able to avoid new incidents.

The next time you change a flat on the side of the road, then, keep in mind, your spare is a bridge, not the place to go. Be smart and drive safely, and leave the professionals to restore your car to full power.