7. When using a spare tire, be sure to read and follow any indications for reduced speed .
When should you check your spare tire?
Like any other tire, your spare can be negatively impacted by lots of conditions, from heat, exposure to UV rays, and even time. We recommend that you check your spare every time you have your tires rotated , approximately every 6,000-8,000 miles. When inspecting your spare, check for: proper air pressure.
Why should you inspect your spare tire?
Inspect the Tread of the Spare Tire
If the tire has little to no tread, it will not be able to grip the road as well as it should . It can also result in poor handling when you drive. The spare tire is essential to help you get to the destination to have the regular tire fixed.
What do I need to know about driving on a spare tire?
You should not drive over 50 mph and no more than 50 miles with a donut-type spare tire. Driving for long distances on a spare tire can potentially cause damage to other car parts, including the transmission.
What symptoms or situations would indicate that you should check your tires?
- The tire warning light. If you have a newer vehicle – typically later than a 2008 model – you have a low tire pressure warning light system. ...
- Low tire tread. ...
- Cracked tires. ...
- Wear on one side. ...
- Tire vibration.
How is a spare tire supposed to look?
Visually check the condition.
Whenever you check the spare tire, look for cracking in the sidewalls and in between the tread blocks . If there are light cracks that the edge of a penny don’t catch on, you are alright to use the spare tire and just have it replaced after usage.
Can I drive 200 miles on a donut?
They are basically meant for short time uses in case you get a flat. Consequently, you are not supposed to travel with a donut tire for more than fifty to about seventy miles at most or at speeds more than 50 miles per hour. In essence, therefore, you should not travel for 200 miles with a donut tire .
How long can you keep a spare tire on?
Space-savers tires cannot be driven over 50 miles per hour. Donut tires shouldn’t be driven for more than 70 miles . Space-saver tires have less traction than with a full-size spare, so if you’re driving in inclement weather, it’s best to get a new tire as soon as possible.
Can I use a 10 year old spare tire?
“While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture , including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear ...
What happens if you drive too fast on a spare tire?
A spare tire failure can be much worse than a regular tire puncture or blowout. ... If you drive too fast and your spare tire fails, you run the risk of losing control of your car and significant damage to the axel and other parts of your car even without accounting for the potential damage caused by a crash.
Can I leave a spare tire on overnight?
Will Leaving a Flat tire Overnight Damage The Rim? No , leaving a flat tire overnight for just one day does not constitute any danger to the rim except where the vehicle is driven on the said night, but if nothing of the sort happens, then there is really no risk to the rim.
Can you drive 70 mph on a spare tire?
Spare tires are all rated differently and are indicated as such on the side. They all have a speed rating, but it’s typically understood that spare tires shouldn’t be driven faster than 50 mph. While it’s not recommended to go more than 70 miles , you can stretch the life to 90.
Can you drive on a full size spare?
For the specific use recommendations for your car’s spare, you can reference your owner’s manual. Otherwise, generally speaking, you should not drive on a donut spare for more than 70 miles and at speeds no faster than 50 MPH . Basically, long enough to drive yourself, at a reasonable speed, to the nearest tire shop.
What does a bad tire feel like?
Wobbling is the most obvious tire sign of a bad tire. Wobbling typically only happens at low speeds and you will physically feel the car bounce up and down and you also may see the steering wheel move. This is caused by severe separation of the internal belts.
How do you tell if tire is flat or just needs air?
If you hear a pop or feel the car jerk when in motion , you likely have a flat that will require a replacement within minutes. If your tire slowly loses air when idle, it is most likely a slow deflation.
What are the signs of a bad wheel bearing?
- Humming Noise. The most easily identifiable and most common symptom of bad wheel bearings is an audible one. ...
- Squealing, Growling. ...
- Clicking Sound. ...
- Wheel Wobble. ...
- ABS Failure. ...
- Uneven Tire Wear. ...
- Vehicle Pulls to One Side. ...
- Steering Wheel Vibration.
