Most spare tires have a speed limit of 50 mph, and you should not exceed it

The speed limit on a spare tire is almost always printed on the tire itself or in your owner's manual. For most vehicles, that limit is 50 mph. Some modern spare tires are rated for up to 70 mph, but this is less common. The limit exists because spare tires — whether they are full-size or compact — are built differently from your regular tires and cannot handle sustained high-speed driving the way a permanent tire can.

Exceeding the speed limit on a spare tire risks a blowout, loss of control, and damage to your wheel. The tire can overheat, the sidewalls can fail, and you may not have warning before it happens. If you are on a highway and need to drive faster than 50 mph to reach a tire shop, you have two options: drive slowly and accept the longer trip, or call a tow truck to transport your vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your spare tire or owner's manual for the exact speed limit — most are 50 mph, some are 70 mph, and a few older spares may be lower.
  • The speed limit applies to the entire trip to the tire shop, not just highway stretches — driving 55 mph on a 50 mph-rated spare is already over the limit.
  • Spare tires are thinner, have less tread, and are designed for temporary use only, which is why they cannot handle the heat and stress of sustained speed.
  • If you cannot reach a tire shop within the speed limit, a tow truck is safer and often cheaper than the cost of a blowout and roadside repair.

Why spare tires have lower speed limits than regular tires

A spare tire is a temporary solution, and manufacturers design it that way. Compact spares — the small donut-shaped tires on most modern cars — have thinner sidewalls and less tread depth than a standard tire. They are lighter and smaller, which means they cannot dissipate heat as effectively during driving. When you drive fast, a tire heats up. A regular tire is built to handle that heat. A spare is not.

Full-size spares, which look like your regular tires, are often older stock or lower-quality versions of your car's standard tire. They may have been sitting in your trunk for years, which degrades the rubber. Even if they are new, they are usually not the same construction as the tires on your wheels. The speed limit reflects this difference in durability.

Driving over the speed limit on a spare increases the risk of sidewall failure, which can happen suddenly and without warning. Unlike a slow leak, a sidewall blowout can cause you to lose control of the vehicle when ready.

How to find the speed limit for your specific spare tire

The speed limit is printed directly on the sidewall of the spare tire itself. Look for a line that says "Max Speed" or "Speed Rating" followed by a number in mph. If you cannot read the sidewall clearly, check your owner's manual — it will list the speed limit in the tire or maintenance section.

If you have recently bought a used vehicle and do not have the manual, you can find it online by searching "[your vehicle year, make, model] owner's manual PDF" or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You can also call a dealership with your vehicle identification number (VIN), and they can tell you the speed rating for your spare.

If you have replaced your spare with an aftermarket one, the speed limit should be on that tire's sidewall. If it is not visible, contact the tire manufacturer or the shop that sold it to you.

The difference between compact spares and full-size spares

A compact spare (donut tire) is smaller and lighter than your regular tires. It is designed to get you 50 to 70 miles at low speed — enough to reach a tire shop. Most compact spares are rated for 50 mph. They wear out faster, handle poorly at higher speeds, and should never be used as a permanent replacement.

A full-size spare looks like a regular tire and can sometimes be driven at normal highway speeds, but the speed limit still depends on the tire's construction and age. Even a full-size spare is usually rated for 50 mph unless the manual or sidewall says otherwise. Some newer vehicles come with full-size spares rated for 70 mph, but you should always verify before driving.

The key difference is that a full-size spare may feel more like a regular tire, which can trick you into driving faster than you should. Check the sidewall or manual regardless of which type you have.

What happens if you exceed the speed limit on a spare tire

Driving over the speed limit on a spare tire creates heat that the tire cannot safely handle. The rubber begins to break down, the sidewalls weaken, and the tire can fail suddenly. A blowout at highway speed can cause you to lose control, especially if you are not expecting it. You may swerve into other traffic, hit a barrier, or roll the vehicle.

Even if you do not have a blowout, driving too fast on a spare can damage the wheel itself. The tire may separate from the rim, or the rim may bend under the stress. This turns a straightforward flat tire into a much more expensive repair.

If you are pulled over by law enforcement while driving on a spare at excessive speed, you may receive a citation. Some jurisdictions treat it as a safety violation.

How to drive safely on a spare tire

Keep your speed at or below the limit printed on the tire. This means 50 mph on most spares, even if the road is a 65 mph highway. Plan your route to a tire shop before you start driving, and call ahead to make sure they have your tire size in stock and can see you soon.

Avoid heavy traffic, rough roads, and sharp turns. Spare tires have less grip and less stability than regular tires, so they are more likely to slip or skid in wet conditions or during aggressive maneuvers. Drive in the right lane, use your hazard lights, and let other drivers pass you.

Check your spare tire's pressure before you drive. A spare that has been sitting in your trunk may have lost air over time. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the PSI (pounds per square inch) listed on the tire or in your manual, and inflate it if needed. An underinflated spare is even more likely to fail.

When to call a tow truck instead of driving on the spare

If you are on a highway where the speed limit is 55 mph or higher and you cannot reach a tire shop within 30 minutes, a tow truck is the safer choice. The cost of a tow — usually $75 to $150 depending on distance — is often less than the cost of a blowout repair, which can include a new rim, new tire, and labor.

You should also call a tow truck if your spare is visibly damaged, if it feels soft or flat, or if you are not sure of its speed rating. If you are in heavy traffic, bad weather, or an unfamiliar area, towing is also the better option. Your safety is worth the cost.

Most roadside information programs (AAA, your insurance company's roadside service, or your car manufacturer's roadside information) cover towing at no extra cost or for a small fee. Check your policy before you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive 60 mph on a 50 mph spare tire for just a short distance?

No. The speed limit applies to the entire trip, and even 10 mph over the limit increases the risk of failure. The danger is not proportional to distance — a blowout can happen at any moment once you exceed the limit. Stick to 50 mph or below.

Is a full-size spare tire safer to drive fast on than a compact spare?

Not necessarily. A full-size spare may feel more stable, which can lead you to drive faster than you should, but it still has the same speed limit as a compact spare unless the manual says otherwise. Always check the sidewall or manual before assuming a full-size spare is rated for highway speeds.

What should I do if my spare tire blows out while I'm driving?

Pull over to a safe location away from traffic, turn on your hazard lights, and call for roadside information or a tow truck. Do not attempt to change the tire again or drive further. You now have no spare, and driving on the rim will damage your wheel permanently.

How long can I drive on a spare tire before I have to replace my regular tire?

You should replace your regular tire as soon as possible — ideally within a few days. Spares are temporary solutions only. Driving on a spare for weeks or months will wear it out quickly and may damage your vehicle's transmission or all-wheel-drive system, depending on your car's design.

Do all spare tires have the same speed limit?

No. Speed limits vary by tire type, manufacturer, and vehicle. Always check the sidewall of your specific spare tire or consult your owner's manual. Do not assume your spare has the same limit as a friend's spare or a spare from a different vehicle.