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90 MacKenan Drive, Cary, NC, 27511

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Phone Numbers:Sales Hours:
  • Mon - Fri9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Sat9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • SunClosed
Service Hours:
  • Mon - Fri7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sat7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • SunClosed
Parts Hours:
  • Mon - Fri7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sat7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • SunClosed
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How Long Can You Drive On a Spare Tire?

Thump! Thump! Thump! We’ve all heard that familiar sound and know what it means: you have a flat tire. Hopefully, there’s a spare tire in your trunk. But now you’re wondering, “How long can I drive on a spare tire?” The answer to that depends on what kind of spare tire you’re using. Our service team at Hendrick Kia of Cary wants you to be safe on local Raleigh roads and highways. So, we’ve put together the handy guide below to help you know how long you can drive on a spare tire.

How Long Can I Drive On a Spare Tire That’s a Donut?

A “donut” or temporary spare tire is a factory spare tire that is smaller and meant to be used for only a short period of time. How long can you drive on a tire like that? Most experts say that you should drive only 50 – 70 miles on a donut spare tire, at the most. In other words, it’s only meant to get you to a service center. You should not try to drive it for days or weeks on end in Durham. Also, it’s best to limit your speed while driving on a temporary spare. Most donut tires aren’t meant to go over 50 miles per hour.

How Long Can I Drive On a Spare Tire That’s Full-Size?

Some larger vehicles come with a spare tire that is basically a fifth tire. It’s exactly the same as the four other tires. In that case, you can drive on that tire for the rest of its life. But should you? Remember, now you no longer have a functional spare on board. What if you get another flat tire? Even if your spare is a full-size regular tire, we recommend getting a new tire as soon as you can so you can put the full-size spare back into its spot in your car.

How Long Can You Drive On a Spare Tire That’s a “Run-Flat?”

Run-flat tires are designed to stay inflated even once they have been punctured. But they don’t stay that way indefinitely. Usually, they will only retain enough air pressure to run for about 50 miles. So, it’s important to get to a service center as soon as possible after putting a run-flat spare on your car.

Let Our Cary Tire Experts Take Care of Your Car!

Our Service Managers know tires, and they’ll take great care of your automobile here at our Cary service facility and tire center. We’ll even pick it up and drop it off for you. While you’re here, we can answer any other service questions you may have, like how to check tire tread or how often to change your cabin air filter. We’re always just a short drive away from Apex, so don’t delay tire service any longer; schedule service with us today!

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