How Safe Is It to Drive a Four Wheeler on Spare Tyres?
- Aug 10, 2022
How Safe Is It to Drive a Four Wheeler on Spare Tyres?
Who doesn't love to go on a short drive to places like The Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, and the 2nd of December Street, or a long drive to places like Ras Al Khaimah to Al Ain – The ‘Garden City’? Going on long road trips in the UAE is always thrilling and exciting, and fun doubles when it's an all-wheel drive.
But what if you encounter a flat tyre? Would the happiness last? Absolutely, No.
Well, you might say, I have a spare tyre! But is it safe to drive on a spare tyre? Get all your answers here right in this blog.
This blog helps you prepare yourself for a flat-tyre situation with a spare tyre. A spare tyre comes in handy and is one of the essential things to keep in your car to deal with an emergency.
Let us learn more about the spare tyres.
Types of Spare Tyres
There are different types of tyres available in the market. The three significant types of spare tyres are- Regular spare tyres, Space-saver or donut tyres, and run-flat tyres.
These are then classified as Full-size matching spare tyres, Full-size non-matching spare tyres, Full-size temporary spare tyres, Compact temporary spare tyres, and Folding temporary spare tyres.
- Regular Spare Tyres:
These full-size spare tyres are the exact copy of the existing tyres, and not to forget, they are as bulky as your normal tyres and will occupy a lot of space.
- Space-Saver Tyres:
These tyres became popular due to their nature of occupying less space and putting up less weight on the car. However, these are not as effective as regular and full-size spare tyres but significantly reduce exhaust emissions. They are also known as donut-spare tyres, and not to forget - they are not intended for a very long drive.
- Run-Flat Tyres:
Run-flat tyres are the new age tyres, and most people buy run-flat tyres online as they are easy to maintain when compared to traditional tyres. These tyres help the driver to continue driving even after a puncture and give you enough time to reach a safe place and get your existing car tyres service.
How Long Can A Regular Spare Tyre Be Used?
Regular spare tyres are the full-size spare tyres that are the most durable among spare tyres. These tyres work as standard tyres. The only frustrating thing with these tyres is they occupy a lot of space.
You must seek professional inspection to replace the damaged tyre with a spare tyre. It is always better to be safer as the spare tyres may get degraded due to their storage in extreme conditions for many years. Thus, get them to check as soon as you reach a safe destination.
Another point to remember is to replace these regular spare tyres and time-to-time so that you do not suffer much and can enjoy your road trips peacefully.
How Long Can A Donut Tyre Or A Space-Saver Spare Tyre Be Use?
Space-saver or donut tyres are designed in such a way that they occupy less space in a car. However, these tyres come in handy during extreme conditions but are not made to last long.
A donut-spare tyre can not be driven for more than 70 miles and at a speed no faster than 50 miles per hour. However, it is always better to check the car manual for the exact distance and speed.
These tyres have little to no tread, making them vulnerable to road hazards and, thus, are less durable. Donut tyres are strictly designed for temporary use; therefore, avail a car tyre service as soon as possible.
Also, if your space-saver spare tyre gets damaged, you must buy the best car tyres online in Dubai. It is highly advisable to purchase a new spare tyre instead of getting it repaired.
How Long Can You Drive On A Run-Flat Tyre?
Run-flat tyres are considered more rigid than any other tyres but are less durable than full-spare tyres. In case of any road hazards, run-flat tyres are capable of handling it, while spare tyres fail at this point.
Run-flat tyres can run about 50 miles after getting punctured, as these tyres do not get flat or blow out. The key to notice is the change in tyre pressure, as it will help you to know the exact type of tyre replacement.
You can easily buy run-flat tyres online and ditch any further inconvenience.
| RunFlat | Donut Tyre | Regular Spare | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Less durable | Not very durable | Extremely durable |
| How many miles can it cover? | 50 miles | Not more than 70 miles. | Work as a regular tyre |
| Things To Know? | Notice the change in tyre pressure; it's time for a replacement. | Only designed for temporary use, replaced as soon as you reach the car station. | They get degraded due to extreme conditions, so check them before. |
How To Maintain Spare Tyres?
You must take care of the following points to maintain the spare tyres.
- Check The Pressure:
When on long trips, your spare tyre pressure also needs to be monitored. Changes in temperature and time can affect the level of air in a tyre. So before driving, the spare tyre should be inflated to the desired pressure level of 60 PSI.
- Rotating The tyre:
Your tyres should be rotated every 6,000-8,000 miles, including your spares. The spare is turned in the correct rear position, and the old one becomes the spare. Go through your car manual to understand things clearly, and then you can work accordingly.
- Checking The Tyre Tread:
Tyre Tread can control the direction of the car. Tread helps to direct water between the tyre and the road to prevent sliding. You can check the depth of your tyre’s tread by looking for the wear indicator or taking the penny test. Inspect the tyre for damages and punctures to the tread and sidewall regularly.
Note: You can also bring your car to the best tyre service providers in UAE and get a quick check-up of your tyres.
- Checking For Recalls:
Sometimes it happens that tyres are recalled due to some manufacturing errors or other defects. You can always check traffic safety administration to see if your tyre has been recalled.
These checkpoints will ensure that your spare tyres are in excellent condition and prepare you for a mishap. Remember that a spare tyre is a temporary solution that should be used only to get you to the service station safely.
The Bottom Line
Looking to buy new spare tyres? Browse through TyresCart - where you can find reliable tyres and also ask for a quick car tyre inspection service in UAE. Also, compare some of the best spare tyres available online and pick the one that matches your requirements.
Flat tyres never come at the right time and can spoil your day in seconds. So always be ready with a reliable spare tyre that is in excellent condition and will save ample of your time. Follow the proper guidelines to keep your spare tyre in perfect working condition. BE SMART AND HAVE A SPARE!
Try the best tyre shop in Abu Dhabi and choose premium quality tyres. Have any queries? Contact us.