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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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Hendrick Vehicle Disclaimer: $899.00 Dealer Administrative Fee included in advertised price. All prices exclude all taxes, tag, title, registration fees and government fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all taxes and government fees and title/registration fees in the state where the vehicle will be registered. All prices include all manufacturer to dealer incentives, which the dealer retains unless otherwise specifically provided. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice; please confirm listings with dealer.\n\nAll vehicles may not be physically located at this dealership but may be available for delivery through this location. Transportation charges may apply. Please contact the dealership for more specific information. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Additional Disclaimers:
*Offer valid on new 2026 Kia Niro EV models. 0% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 72 months. $13.89 per month per $1,000 financed at 72 months. APR financing subject to credit approval by Kia Finance America (KFA), through KFA, for well-qualified buyers and not available on balloon financing. Only a limited number of customers will qualify for advertised APR. Subject to vehicle availability and dealer participation. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock by 9/30/2026. See your participating Kia dealer for more details. **Lease offer valid on 2026 Kia K4 Models. $3,499 due at Signing. Offer valid on a 36 month term at 10,000 miles per year. Lease offer is only available to well-qualified lessees. No security deposit required. Actual payments may vary. Subject to credit approval by Kia Finance. Lessee is responsible for insurance, maintenance, repairs, $0.20 per mile over 10,000 miles/year, excess wear, and a termination fee of up to $400. Subject to dealer participation. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery by 9/30/2026. See dealer for details. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between September 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 120 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by November 2, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Offer valid on new 2026 Kia EV9 models. 1.99% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 84 months. $12.72 per month per $1,000 financed at 84 months. APR financing subject to credit approval by Kia Finance America (KFA), through KFA, for well-qualified buyers and not available on balloon financing. Only a limited number of customers will qualify for advertised APR. Subject to vehicle availability and dealer participation. New vehicles only. This incentive is a limited-time offer on eligible Kia vehicles. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock by 9/30/2026. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect actual monthly payment. See your participating Kia dealer for more details. Limited inventory available. **Offer valid on 2026 Niro EV and 2026 EV9. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Offer valid on Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock by 9/30/2026. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect actual monthly payment. See your participating Kia dealer for more details. Limited inventory available. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between September 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 120 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by November 2, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Offer valid on new 2027 Kia Telluride models. 3.99% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 48 months. $22.57 per month per $1,000 financed at 48 months. APR financing subject to credit approval by Kia Finance America (KFA), through KFA, for well-qualified buyers and not available on balloon financing. Only a limited number of customers will qualify for advertised APR. Subject to vehicle availability and dealer participation. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock by 9/30/2026. See your participating Kia dealer for more details. **Lease offer valid on 2027 Telluride Models. $3,999 due at Signing. Offer valid on a 24 month term at 10,000 miles per year. Lease offer is only available to well-qualified lessees. No security deposit required. Actual payments may vary. Subject to credit approval by Kia Finance. Lessee is responsible for insurance, maintenance, repairs, $0.20 per mile over 10,000 miles/year, excess wear, and a termination fee of up to $400. Subject to dealer participation. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery by 9/30/2026. See dealer for details.***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between September 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 120 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by November 2, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Offer valid on new 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid models. 3.99% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 48 months. $22.57 per month per $1,000 financed at 48 months. APR financing subject to credit approval by Kia Finance America (KFA), through KFA, for well-qualified buyers and not available on balloon financing. Only a limited number of customers will qualify for advertised APR. Subject to vehicle availability and dealer participation. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock by 9/30/2026. See your participating Kia dealer for more details. **Lease offer valid on 2027 Telluride Hybrid Models. $3,999 due at Signing. Offer valid on a 24 month term at 10,000 miles per year. Lease offer is only available to well-qualified lessees. No security deposit required. Actual payments may vary. Subject to credit approval by Kia Finance. Lessee is responsible for insurance, maintenance, repairs, $0.20 per mile over 10,000 miles/year, excess wear, and a termination fee of up to $400. Subject to dealer participation. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery by 9/30/2026. See dealer for details.***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between September 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 120 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by November 2, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between September 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 120 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by November 2, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

Restrictions apply. Visit your nearest service location for complete details.

*Offer valid on new 2026 Kia K4 models. 2.90% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 48 months. $22.09 per month per $1,000 financed at 48 months. APR financing subject to credit approval by Kia Finance America (KFA), through KFA, for well-qualified buyers and not available on balloon financing. Only a limited number of customers will qualify for advertised APR. Subject to vehicle availability and dealer participation. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock by 9/30/2026. See your participating Kia dealer for more details. **Lease offer valid on 2026 Kia K4 Models. $3,499 due at Signing. Offer valid on a 36 month term at 10,000 miles per year. Lease offer is only available to well-qualified lessees. No security deposit required. Actual payments may vary. Subject to credit approval by Kia Finance. Lessee is responsible for insurance, maintenance, repairs, $0.20 per mile over 10,000 miles/year, excess wear, and a termination fee of up to $400. Subject to dealer participation. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery by 9/30/2026. See dealer for details. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between September 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 120 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by November 2, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Offer valid on new 2027 Kia Seltos models. 3.99% APR up to 48 months. 3.99% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 48 months. $22.57 per month per $1,000 financed at 48 months. 4.49% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 60 months. $18.64 per month per $1,000 financed at 60 months. 5.49% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 66 months. $17.59 per month per $1,000 financed at 66 months. 5.99% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 72 months. $16.57 per month per $1,000 financed at 72 months. 7.00% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 84 months. $15.09 per month per $1,000 financed at 84 months. APR financing subject to credit approval by Kia Finance America (KFA), through KFA, for well-qualified buyers and not available on balloon financing. Only a limited number of customers will qualify for advertised APR. Subject to vehicle availability and dealer participation. New vehicles only. This incentive is a limited-time offer on eligible Kia vehicles. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock by 09/30/2026. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect actual monthly payment. See your participating Kia dealer for more details. Finance contract must be signed and dated no later than 09/30/2026. Limited inventory available. **Lease offer valid on 2027 Kia Seltos Models. $3,799 due at Signing. Offer valid on a 36 month term at 10,000 miles per year. Lease offer is only available to well-qualified lessees. No security deposit required. Actual payments may vary. Subject to credit approval by Kia Finance. Lessee is responsible for insurance, maintenance, repairs, $0.20 per mile over 10,000 miles/year, excess wear, and a termination fee of up to $400. Subject to dealer participation. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery by 9/30/2026. See dealer for details. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between September 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 120 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by November 2, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Offer valid on new 2026 Kia Niro EV models. 0% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 72 months. $13.89 per month per $1,000 financed at 72 months. APR financing subject to credit approval by Kia Finance America (KFA), through KFA, for well-qualified buyers and not available on balloon financing. Only a limited number of customers will qualify for advertised APR. Subject to vehicle availability and dealer participation. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock by 9/30/2026. See your participating Kia dealer for more details. **Lease offer valid on 2026 Niro EV Models. $3,999 due at Signing. Offer valid on a 24 month term at 10,000 miles per year. Lease offer is only available to well-qualified lessees. No security deposit required. Actual payments may vary. Subject to credit approval by Kia Finance. Lessee is responsible for insurance, maintenance, repairs, $0.20 per mile over 10,000 miles/year, excess wear, and a termination fee of up to $400. Subject to dealer participation. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery by 9/30/2026. See dealer for details..***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between September 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 120 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by November 2, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Offer valid on new 2027 Kia EV3 models. 0.90% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 48 months. $21.22 per month per $1,000 financed at 48 months. APR financing subject to credit approval by Kia Finance America (KFA), through KFA, for well-qualified buyers and not available on balloon financing. Only a limited number of customers will qualify for advertised APR. Subject to vehicle availability and dealer participation. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock by 9/30/2026. See your participating Kia dealer for more details. **Lease offer valid on 2027 Kia EV3 models. $3,999 due at Signing. Offer valid on a 24 month term at 10,000 miles per year. Lease offer is only available to well-qualified lessees. No security deposit required. Actual payments may vary. Subject to credit approval by Kia Finance. Lessee is responsible for insurance, maintenance, repairs, $0.20 per mile over 10,000 miles/year, excess wear, and a termination fee of up to $400. Subject to dealer participation. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery by 9/30/2026. See dealer for details.***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between September 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 120 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by November 2, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Offer valid on new 2026 Kia EV6 models. 0% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) up to 60 months. $16.67 per month per $1,000 financed at 60 months. APR financing subject to credit approval by Kia Finance America (KFA), through KFA, for well-qualified buyers and not available on balloon financing. Only a limited number of customers will qualify for advertised APR. Subject to vehicle availability and dealer participation. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock by 9/30/2026. See your participating Kia dealer for more details. **Lease offer valid on 2026 EV6 Models. $3,999 due at Signing. Offer valid on a 24 month term at 10,000 miles per year. Lease offer is only available to well-qualified lessees. No security deposit required. Actual payments may vary. Subject to credit approval by Kia Finance. Lessee is responsible for insurance, maintenance, repairs, $0.20 per mile over 10,000 miles/year, excess wear, and a termination fee of up to $400. Subject to dealer participation. Offers may not be combined except where specified. Must take delivery by 9/30/2026. See dealer for details. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between September 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 120 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by November 2, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

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