According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), you can generally drive 50 miles on a donut with no problems. However, driving on a donut (also known as a “spare tire”) is not a long-term solution; you should avoid long distances on it if possible.
Furthermore, donuts don’t last forever––even if it sits in your trunk for their entire lifetime. Over time, the tread and materials can erode, making it “bald” and unsafe to use. An unused donut can generally last eight years. Yet, if it occasionally substitutes as a full-fledged tire, it won’t nearly last as long.
You Shouldn’t Drive Fast on a Donut
AAA notes that you shouldn’t go faster than 50 miles per hour on a donut. It says, “The spare tire enables you to drive to the nearest repair shop to have the flat tire inspected and either repaired or replaced.”
You should also avoid:
- Traveling on the highway (if possible)
- Using the “fast lane”
- Using unpaved roadways, like gravel or dirt roads
- Hitting road debris, like fallen branches
- Speedbumps
Driving Too Long on a Donut Risks Severe Damage
Driving on a donut is a short-term solution for many reasons. Firstly, after traveling a certain distance, the donut threatens the driver’s safety. It won’t grip as well to the road as the other three tires, and in inclement weather conditions, (like rainfall), it could cause the vehicle to hydroplane.
Using a donut over the 50-mile mark may cause:
- Axel and brake damage
- Collisions
- Tire blowouts
- The car to shake
- Difficulty steering
- Poor gas mileage
- Transmission issues
To err on the side of caution, once you’ve put a donut on your car, drive it to the mechanic. From there, you can get a new tire that you can use for hundreds of miles, as opposed to 50.
When to Change Out a Standard Tire for a Donut
If you’re reading this, you may wonder whether one of your tires needs replacing. A surefire sign is that the low-pressure light illuminates on your dashboard. If you keep having to pump a tire with air, only for it to lose tire pressure over time, there’s likely a puncture or leak.
Other signs that you should switch to using a donut include:
- Your car pulls to one side, making it difficult to control.
- The tire is bald, meaning it has little to no tread.
- You hear a hissing sound coming from one of your tires.
- One of your tire’s covers look shredded or torn.
Swapping out a deflated tire for a donut makes a huge difference in the big scheme of things. So, don’t think yourself, “I can rough out this deflated tire for a few more miles.” Doing so not only threatens your safety, but it can cause thousand-dollar damage to your vehicle.
Can I Use My Friend’s Spare Tire?
It depends on what type of car your friend has, as well as how often you’ve used their donut. Remember: even if the donut’s been sitting unused in their trunk for years, it might not be safe to use.
Moreover, the donut might not be compatible with your car. For instance, if you’re driving a Honda Civic, and you want the use your friend’s donut from their Ford F-150, this will not work. However, if your friend also has a Honda Civic (and it’s the same model), you may use the donut for the short ride to the mechanic.
Myths and truths about driving on a car’s donut
There’s a lot of misconceptions about car parts in the automotive world. These are some myths and truths about driving on a donut:
Myth: Driving on a Donut Feels Just the Same as Using a Regular Tire
False. You will likely feel that your car’s off-balance or that something feels “odd.” You might also feel a slight vibration when you drive or find it difficult to make turns.
Myth: Using a Car’s Donut Isn’t Safe
False. As long as you travel short distances and don’t exceed a certain speed, you should be fine on a donut. However, you should still be aware of any complications. For instance, if you sense that you’re going to lose control of your car, pull over immediately and call a tow truck. It’s not worth risking your safety to drive a few extra miles.
Myth: Buying a Replacement Donut is Expensive
This is both true and false. Depending on your car’s condition, make, and model, you could pay anywhere from $50 to $300 for a replacement donut. However, while making the repairs, if the mechanic finds that you have axel issues (which sometimes happens when driving on bad tires), this could cost more.
However, if you were in an accident that caused a tire blowout or axel damage, however, this may be covered by your insurance policy.
Myth: It Doesn’t Matter Where You Buy a Donut
False. As tempting as it may be to snatch up a cheap donut on OfferUp, keep in mind that, as mentioned, these devices only last eight years. While not everyone has the financial resources to do so, if possible, only purchase donuts directly from your mechanic or dealership. You don’t want to risk purchasing a spare tire worse than the one you’re replacing.
Myth: You Can Have Your Car Sit on a Donut for a Few Days with No Problems
This is actually true. Imagine your car’s sitting in the driveway with a donut. For the first couple of days, there shouldn’t be any problems, since your car is stationary. However, over time, the donut could deflate and damage the car’s components.
You can stave deflation by periodically filling the donut with air, but remember, just like we’ve said countless times on this page, using a donut is a short-term measure.
A Final Word
Long story short: you can drive about 50 miles on a donut. Yet, while doing so, you should also stay on well-paved roads, avoid traveling more than 50 miles an hour, and be mindful of any roadway hazards. To learn more about your car’s specific donut, consult your user manual or dealership.
