How Long Does a Spare Tire Last?

Nothing can sour your day as quickly as a flat tire, especially if you’re on your way to work, an important appointment, or a road trip. That’s when your donut spare boots up. But if you’ve never stopped to think, how long does a spare tire last before it’s too old, too worn, or too unsafe to depend on?

Lots of drivers assume that if the spare is hidden in the trunk, that means it’s ready to go. Sadly, it is not always so. Like all tires, your spare has a shelf life and very clear limitations once you bolt it on. Understanding how long your spare will last, and how to take care of it can help avert expensive roadside emergencies and keep you safe.

This guide walks you through the various varieties of spare tires; for how long they’re good; how many miles you can drive on a spare; and how to tell whether your spare tire is still safe to use.

Types of Spare Tires and Their Lifespans

Before you can determine how long your spare will last, you’ll want to determine which variety you have. There are three primary types of spare tire, and they all have their own lifespan and usage rules.

Full-Size Spare Tires:

A full-size spare is a tire that is the same size and has the same specifications as your regular tires. Full-Size: Many trucks, SUVs and even a few cars come with a full-size spare mounted either under or in the trunk.

How Long do They Last:

A full-size spare will age about the same as any other tire you own — typically 6 to 10 years, depending on the tire company, how you store it and whether you rotate it into service now and then.

Tip:

If you fail to include your full-size spare in your regular tire rotation schedule, it can age faster than you realize, as the rubber still degrades over time. Even if it looks like new, it can become brittle and unsafe.

Compact Temporary Spare Tires (Donut Spares)

What They Are:

Donut spares refer to smaller, lighter tires which are standard issue on most passenger vehicles. They’re made to be compact and lightweight, but are for temporary use only.

How Long They Last:

A donut spare can last 6 to 10 years if stored correctly and maintaining proper inflation when in storage.

After Installation:

When putting on a donut spare, there are some real restrictions:

Maximum distance: 50–70 miles

Maximum speed: 50 mph

Driving on these tires is overextending your welcome for a tire blowout, bad handling, and damage to your suspension and braking systems.

Run-Flat Tires

What They Are:

Some newer cars come with run-flat tires that allow you to keep driving for a limited period of time with a punctured tire, without installing a spare.

How Long They Last:

Run-flat tires generally have a similar life expectancy to standard tires (about 6 years from the date of manufacture).

After a Puncture:

Many run-flats permit you to drive up to 50 miles at a limited speed (generally less than 50 mph) to get to a service station. They’re not designed to be a permanent solution, so you will have to Car Repair or replace them eventually.

How to Check if Your Spare Tire is Still Safe to Use

If your spare has been skulking in the trunk or under your ride for years, you might think it’s still good to go. But looks can be deceiving. Time also takes a toll on rubber, regardless of mileage.

Follow this simple, step-by-step guide to see if you’re good to go with your spare tire:

Inspecting Tread Wear

If you’ve used the spare before, check the tread depth. A tire whose tread is worn down becomes a slipping hazard and is vulnerable to blowout.

Quick Test:

• Measure the grooves using a tread depth gauge.
• Or place a penny in the tread, with Lincoln’s head facing downward.
• If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is worn out (less than 2/32 inch).

Checking Sidewall Condition

Examine the sidewalls closely for:

• Cracks or dry rot (little splits in the rubber)
• Image Bulges or bubbles (symptoms of internal damage.
• Deep cuts or punctures
• Whether or not you’ve used it before, all of these issues can render it unsafe to drive on.

Verifying Air Pressure

Low spare tires remain as one of the top causes of tire failure. People often forget — drivers especially, to check the spare’s pressure, and in time, it loses air naturally.

Recommendation:

Check the air pressure in your spare tire at least monthly and before all extended trips. Fill it to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (typically printed on a sticker inside your driver’s door).

Checking the Manufacturing Date

Each tire includes a date code on its sidewall. When the Tire Repair was Manufactured: This 4-digit number indicates the tire’s date of manufacture.

How to Read It:

• Search for the letters DOT, along with a series of letters and numbers.
• The last four figures refer to the date code.

General Rule:

If the tire is more than 6–10 years old, throw it away, even if it seems brand-new.

How Far Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

Even a new, correctly inflated spare has limitations on how long you can drive it and how fast you can safely drive it.

Here is a quick cheat sheet to help you remember:

Full-Size Spare Tire:

Otherwise, just drive as usual, but keep in mind how old the tire is. Rotate it in with your other tires so that wear is even.

Donut Spare Tire:

Distance Limit: 50–70 miles

Speed Limit: 50 mph

Why: The road is no place for a donut. They have less grip side-walls, so they get hotter and are more vulnerable to blowouts.

Run-Flat Tire:

Distance Up to 50 miles after puncture.

Average Speed: Generally, less than 50 mph

Why: When run-flats go flat, they lose their structure, and you need to replace or repair them then and there.

Failure to notice these limits will twist your suspension, overheat and fail your brakes, and flat-spot your wheels, and compromise your safety.

Tips to Extend the Life of Your Spare Tire

The better you take care of it, the longer your spare tire will last. Here are six easy but vital tips:

Store It Properly:

Store the extra in a clean, dry place out of direct sunlight, excessive heat, or any aggressive chemicals.

Check Air Pressure Monthly:

Fully inflated, this kind of tire is less likely to have a failure. Confirm and maintain the proper PSI using a trusty tire gauge.

Inspect Regularly:

Inspect for damage, dry rot, or cracks every few months.

Rotate Full-Size Spares:

Assuming you have a full-size spare, rotate it in with your regular tire rotation cycle to keep all of your tires wearing evenly.

Replace When in Doubt:

If you’re unsure about the tire’s safety, replace it. A new spare is way cheaper than a tow or a crash.

Conclusion

Your spare tire isn’t just a spare, it’s a vital component in your vehicle’s safety plan. And whether it’s a full-size spare, a compact or “donut,” or even a run-flat, the rule for each of them is the same: Knowing how long it will last and what you can expect from it in terms of capabilities might save you from being caught in the worst-possible predicament, a costly repair, or something that’s downright dangerous out on the road.

Don’t wait until you’re stuck on the shoulder to discover your spare tire is flat, dry-rotted or unsafe. It’s all about the regular checks, correct storage and replacement while it is still in time.

So if you ever run into a flat tire, a spare that fails, stranded on the side of the road (and worse), we have your back. All 4 One Transportation Service, it professional, fast roadside service; such as spare tire change, emergency towing, and others.

FAQs