When Should You Use a Spare Tire?
A spare tire is often the quickest temporary solution when you have a flat. If your damaged tire cannot be safely repaired, installing the spare can get your vehicle moving again.
A spare tire may be the better choice when the tire has major damage, such as a large puncture, a damaged sidewall or a significant tear.
It can also be useful when you are in an unsafe location and need to get your vehicle away from traffic before dealing with the damaged tire.
Keep in mind that spare tires are smaller than your regular tires. Temporary spares, sometimes called ” donuts “, are designed for limited use and usually have speed and distance restrictions.
Check your vehicle owner’s manual for the recommended speed and distance limits for your spare tire.
When Is Tire Repair a Better Option?
Tire repair may be possible when the damage is minor and located in an area that can safely be repaired.
For example, a small puncture in the tread caused by a nail or screw may be repairable if the tire has not been driven while severely underinflated and the internal structure has not been damaged.
A professional tire technician should inspect the tire before deciding whether it can be repaired.
A proper inspection is important because damage is not always visible from the outside. Driving on a flat or severely underinflated tire can cause internal damage that makes the tire unsafe to repair.
Spare Tire vs Tire Repair: Key Differences
Both options can help you deal with a flat tire, but they serve different purposes.
A spare tire provides a temporary way to get your vehicle moving. It is specially useful when the original tire is too damaged to repair.
Tire repair, when appropriate, allows you to keep using the original tire instead of replacing it or relying on a temporary spare.
Here are some basic differences:
Spare Tire
• Provides a temporary solution
• Useful for severely damaged tires
• Can help you leave an unsafe roadside location
• May have speed and distance limitations
• Should generally be raplaced with a properly repaired or full-size tire as soon as possible
Tire Repair
• Can be a more permanent solution when the damage is repairable
• Works best for certain tread punctures
• Requires proper inspection
• Is not appropriate for every type of tire damage
• May allow you to continue using your existing tire
What Tire Damage Usually Cannot be Repaired
Not every flat tire should be repaired.
Sidewall damage is one of the biggest concerns. The sidewall flexes while you drive and damage in this area can compromise the tire’s structural strength.
A tire may also need to be replaced if it has a large puncture, significant cuts, exposed cords, severe internal damage or damage caused by driving while flat.
If the tire has been badly damaged, using a spare tire and having the original tire professionally inspected is usually safer than attempting a roadside repair yourself.
What If You Don’t Have a Spare Tire?
Many newer vehicles do not come with a traditional spare tire. Instead, some vehicles are equipped with tire repair kits, sealant or an air compressor.
If your vehicle does not have a spare and you experience a flat tiew, roadside assistance can be a practical option.
A roadside technician may be able to inflate the tire, provide an appropriate tire-related service or help arrange towing if the tire cannot be safely repaired at the roadside.
Trying to drive on a flat tire just to reach a repair shop can make the damage worse and may create a dangerous driving situation.
Can You Drive on a Spare Tire
You can usually drive on a spare tire, but only according to the vehicle and spare tire manufacturer’s instructions.
Temporary spare tires are not designed for normal long-term driving. They are generally intended to get you to a tire shop or another safe location.
Avoid treating a temporary spare like a regular tire. Follow the recommended speed limit, avoid unnecessary driving and have the original tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
What Should You Do After Getting a Flat Tire?
If you experience a flat while driving, don’t panic. Gradually reduce your speed, turn on your hazard lights and move to a safe location if you can do so without putting yourself in danger.
Once you are safely stopped, inspect the situation without standing in traffic or putting yourself near moving vehicles.
If you have a usable spare tire and the location is safe for changing a tire, you may be able to install it. If you are ona busy highway, shoulder or another dangerous location, calling roadside assistance may be the safer choice.
Do not continue driving on a severely flat tire unless absolutely necessary to reach a safe location. Doing so can damage the wheel and potentially turn a simple flat into a more expensive repair.
Which Is Better: Spare Tire or Tire Repair?
There isn’t one answer for every flat tire.
If the damage is minor and a qualified tire professional confirms that the tire can be safely repaired, tire repair may be the better long-term solution.
If the tire has serious damage or cannot be safely repaired, a spare tire can provide a temporary way to get your vehicle off the roadside and to a tire service location.
The most important factor is safety. Don’t Choose repair simply because ir is cheaper or choose a spare simply because it is faster. Have the tire properly inspected and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Need Help With A Flat Tire
A flat tire can leave you stuck in a parking lot, on the side of the road or along a busy highway. If you don’t have a usable spare or your tire cannot be safely repaired, roadside assistance can help you handle the situation.
Professional roadside assiatnce may provide tire-related help, emergency tire service or towing when the vehicle cannot safely continue.
When you’re dealing with a flat tire, don’t take unnecessary chances. Get to a safe location, assess the damage and get professional help when the situation calls for it.
CONTACT DETAILS
If you need any of our roadside assistance or towing services, Original Auto Towing Services can come to you at any time of day or night. We’ll get you safely home and can help you a lot.
