A flat tire can quickly turn a good drive into a bad one, so it’s best to keep a spare tire in your car. But when you look in your trunk (or vehicle storage area), you may notice that the tire looks a bit different than your other tires.

That’s likely a spare donut tire!

If you’re not sure what that means, don’t worry! We’ll go over the ins and outs of donut spare tires below, including:

  • What Is A Donut Spare Tire

  • Can A Donut Spare Tire Fit Any Car

  • Pros & Cons of Donut Spare Tires

  • Maintaining and Replacing Your Donut Spare Tire

Let’s get to the basics!

What Is A Donut Spare Tire?

A donut spare tire is a temporary tire that’s used to get you to safety in case of a flat. They are generally smaller than standard tires, with a narrower width and lighter weight. Their size makes them ideal for traveling short distances during emergencies.

As of 2022, more and more car manufacturers have opted to include spare donut tires in their vehicles due to their lightweight. This can help cars stay more fuel efficient.

Check your car manual to see if you have a spare donut tire included.

In contrast, a spare tire is an extra tire kept in or under the trunk or storage area of your vehicle. It’s used to replace a flat tire and functions in the same way as other standard tires.

Can A Donut Spare Tire Fit Any Car?

No, spare donut tires are not suitable for all vehicles. Like other spare parts, a donut spare tire often has specific parameters depending on the vehicle.

These tires also usually have high pressure (upwards of 60 PSI), which means you can’t drive as fast as you’re used to.

Having the wrong fit can be unsafe, so make sure you match the wheel’s dimensions to your vehicle’s specs when buying a spare donut tire. When in doubt, call a tow truck and stay safe!

Pros & Cons of Donut Spare Tires

We’ve talked about some of the pros and cons of spare tire donuts already, but let’s go more in-depth.

Spare donut tire pros:

  • Smaller and lightweight

  • Easier to store

  • Better for fuel efficiency

Spare donut tires are smaller and lightweight, making them ideal for storage and fuel efficiency. They’re a good safety plan for tire emergencies without the hassle of a full-sized tire.

Spare donut tire cons:

  • Shorter lifespan

  • Not suitable for heavier vehicles

  • Cannot go faster than 50 MPH

  • Can be harder to break and handle

You might be wondering, “How long can you drive on a donut spare tire?” Simply put, spare donut tires should not be used as long-term replacements for tires. You should drive no more than 50 miles with a spare donut tire.

Additionally, given their small size and limitations, spare donut tires are ineffective with larger vehicles. They shouldn’t be driven faster than 50 MPH thanks to their high air pressure. You might also find it harder to brake and handle with donut tires.

When Should You Use A Donut Spare Tire?

A donut spare tire does best in emergencies, such as a sudden flat. You can drive them for short distances—ideally to a mechanic—before you replace your tire with a standard option.

If you have a larger vehicle or prefer the peace of mind of knowing you have a long-term replacement, then keeping a spare standard tire in your car may be better.

Maintaining and Replacing Your Donut Spare Tire

It’s important to properly store your donut spare tire to ensure that it functions reliably and safely. Make sure you:

  • Check your spare for any signs of wear

  • Check the air pressure (60 PSI)

  • Replace them every eight years

  • Replace them after 50 miles of use

Donut spare tires are temporary tires. If there are cracks or signs of wear, you must replace them.

Final Thoughts

A spare donut tire is an excellent temporary option for smaller vehicles. With proper maintenance, they can get you out of emergencies until you have time to replace your flat.

However, you need to follow safety precautions when using a spare donut tire. Make sure the air pressure is at 60 PSI and keep your speed under 50 MPH. After driving 50 miles on a spare donut tire, replace them.

If you’re unsure about your tire options or have any questions, talk to one of Hoopers Tire Outlet’s associates to assess your needs! We’re happy to find the right solution for you.