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When you get a flat tire, you have to drive with that specific tire until you can repair it or replace it. You may be wondering about how fast you can drive on a spare tire and whether or not it’s safe to do so. The answer is actually pretty simple once you understand some specifics of your vehicle.
If you take your car from a non-negotiable situation and put it in an ideal one, then yes, you can safely drive fast on a spare tire. Let’s break down what exactly that means. Read on to find out more about driving fast on a spare tire and the risks involved when doing so!
How Fast Can You Drive On A Spare Tire?
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You can drive as fast as the tires will allow. The general rule is that you should drive 10 miles below the speed limit in a city and 10 miles above the speed limit on the highway. If your car has a low-speed tire, any speed is unsafe and you should pull over and get your car towed.
A low-speed tire is any tire that has a speed rating below 80. A tire blowout can cause an accident just as dangerous as any other blowout. However, the speed at which you’re traveling can make it far more serious. At low speeds, the blowout can be contained within the tire itself. At high speeds, the tire can explode. The rubber can get caught in the wheel and cause a loss of control.
When It’s Safe To Drive Fast On A Spare Tire
If you drive slowly, the risk of blowout is minimal and your tire can stick around long enough to get you to a safe place. When driving slowly, the tire is less responsive to changes in road conditions, so you can maintain control of your car by slowing down.
At high speeds, the risk of sudden tire failure is far greater, so you should avoid driving fast on a spare tire. That said, driving slowly on a spare tire is not safe unless you’re on a smooth road. If the tire is taking longer to respond to your steering inputs, you can’t change lanes quickly or avoid sudden obstacles, which could lead to a serious accident.
When It’s Not Safe To Drive Fast On A Spare Tire
If you drive faster than the recommended speed, the likelihood of the tire failing increases greatly. At high speeds, a tire failure can cause a loss of control, a dangerous situation that can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities when other drivers aren’t expecting a sudden loss of control.
Driving fast on a spare tire can also result in a blowout, when the tire explodes and shreds apart, sending rubber into the air. Driving fast on a blowout can cause the tire to burst and scatter rubber, creating a dangerous situation for drivers around you.
Why Is It Safe To Drive Fast On A Spare Tire?
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Driving fast on a spare tire is safe because a properly-inflated spare tire is designed to be driven on. In some cases, you can actually drive faster on a spare tire than you can on the original tire. Driving slow on a spare tire is dangerous because the tire won’t be able to respond quickly to the sudden changes in the road. Driving slow on a spare tire is not recommended because it puts drivers in danger.
At high speeds, drivers are less likely to notice a slow response from their tires because of the added pressure on the car. Drivers who are used to driving fast on their tires can notice a slow response, but drivers who are driving slowly on a spare tire won’t be able to tell.
Risks Of Driving Fast On A Spare Tire
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Driving fast on a spare tire is more likely to cause a flat tire. A tire improperly inflated can shred much more quickly than a properly-inflated tire. Driving fast on a spare tire can cause a blowout, which can be dangerous and even deadly. Driving fast on a spare tire can cause the tire to overheat and fail.
In most cases, the tire will just go flat. Driving fast on a spare tire does not increase the likelihood of a blowout. At high speeds, the tire is under more pressure and is more likely to fail. The rubber can’t stretch as far, so it is more likely to shred.
Conclusion
A properly-inflated spare tire is safe to drive on at any speed. Driving slow on a spare tire puts you and others in danger. Driving fast on a spare tire can be dangerous, but it can also be safe in the right conditions. Spare tires are more than just a temporary fix when you get a flat tire.
They can be used as a replacement tire when you’re on a long trip or in an emergency situation where you have to drive slowly. As long as you follow the right guidelines, driving fast on a spare tire is safe and can be used in many circumstances.
My name is Mark Fernandez and I am the proud owner of tiresblog.com, a blog dedicated to helping people make informed decisions when it comes to tire-related topics. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive industry, I have an unparalleled insight into the world of tires that I’m eager to share with my readers. My goal is to provide accurate, up-to-date information to help people stay informed and make the right tire choices for their vehicles. I’m committed to helping my readers get the most out of their tires.