Archive · 29 Sep 2026
How Far and Fast Can You Drive on a Spare?
A spare tyre is meant to help you after one of your normal tyres goes flat.
It is not designed to be used like a regular tyre.
You should drive it only far enough to reach a tyre shop.
A simple rule is to drive less than 50 miles.
You should also keep your speed below 50 mph.
Spare tyres have less traction and durability than normal tyres.
Driving too far can make stopping and steering harder.
It can also increase the risk of skidding, hydroplaning, or losing control.
A compact spare tyre is intended only for temporary emergency use.
Drivers should use the spare to reach the nearest tyre shop for repair or replacement.
The recommended guideline is to drive less than 50 miles on the spare.
Drivers should keep speeds below 50 mph while using a temporary spare.
Extended use can reduce control and stopping power while increasing the risk of skidding, hydroplaning, and tyre failure.
- Who
- Drivers using a temporary spare tyre after a flat tyre.
- What
- Guidance recommends limiting use of a temporary spare to less than 50 miles and below 50 mph.
- When
- After a vehicle’s regular tyre becomes flat, until it can be repaired or replaced.
- Where
- On the way to the nearest tyre repair or replacement shop.
- Why
- Temporary spare tyres have limited traction, durability, and tread life and are not intended for extended or high-speed driving.
- Recommended distance
- Less than 50 miles
- Recommended speed
- Below 50 mph
- Purpose
- Temporary emergency use
- Best destination
- The nearest tyre repair or replacement shop
- Main risks
- Reduced stopping power and vehicle control
- Possible hazards
- Skidding, hydroplaning, tyre failure, and loss of vehicle control