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Spare Tires
Spare tire guide for every type
A spare tire is useful only if it fits, holds pressure and is used within its limits. This hub explains the difference between full-size and temporary spares, the speed and distance limits that come with a donut, how to check fitment before you rely on one, and the cautions that matter for all-wheel-drive vehicles.
Start here
Temporary spares, often called donuts, are designed for a short, slow trip to a repair shop, not for normal driving. They carry lower speed and distance limits, and continued use can strain the transmission on all-wheel-drive vehicles. Before you depend on any spare, check that it fits your vehicle\’s bolt pattern, that it holds pressure, and that the wheel and tire are in usable condition. Store it correctly and check its pressure along with your other tires. If the spare is also flat, damaged, or the vehicle is all-wheel-drive and the manual restricts mixed tires, a professional response is the safer route.
Featured guide
Our spare tire guide covers types, fitment and limits. The focused guides below look at full-size versus donut and how far you can safely drive.
Types, fitment, limits and safe use.
How the two compare for distance, speed and handling.
The distance and speed limits that keep a temporary spare safe.
Getting a small spare to the right pressure.
Explore by question
Spare tire questions usually come down to fit, limits and drivetrain.
What each spare is designed to do and for how long.
Bolt pattern, offset and clearance before you rely on it.
Why donut spares are for short, slow trips only.
Why mixed tires can harm all-wheel-drive systems.
Keeping a spare ready for the day you need it.
A simple learning pathway
Before you trust a spare, confirm what it is, that it fits, and what it allows.
Step 1
Identify your spare
Work out whether it is temporary or full-size and what that allows.
Step 2
Check it fits
Confirm bolt pattern, pressure and condition before trusting it.
Step 3
Compare the limits
Weigh distance, speed and drivetrain constraints before driving.
Useful tool
The calculator estimates how far a temporary spare may cover at limited speeds. It is an estimate for planning only and never overrides the limits in your owner’s manual.
All Spare Tires articles
Spare tire guides and answers, added as they are published.
Spare Tires articles are on the way.
We are preparing clear, safety-first guides for this topic. In the meantime, explore the guides linked above or check back soon.
Safety and editorial note
Temporary spares have strict speed and distance limits, and all-wheel-drive vehicles may restrict their use. Always follow your owner’s manual. If in doubt, call for professional help rather than limping on an unsuitable spare.
Read our editorial policy and safety review policy.