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Spare Tire Distance Calculator
Estimate how far a temporary or donut spare can be used, and see the speed limit that applies, so you can plan the shortest safe route to a tire shop.
Estimate spare tire range
Estimate how much of a temporary spare's stated distance remains. Always use the limits in your vehicle owner's manual, not a generic default.
Find this in your owner's manual or on the spare's label.
Estimate
- Spare type
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- Stated maximum
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- Distance driven
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- Estimated remaining
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- Speed limit to observe
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A generic calculation cannot establish that a spare is safe. Drive only within the manufacturer's stated speed and distance, and replace or repair the tire as soon as possible. Do not continue driving on a damaged tire in an unsafe location.
How to use this tool
Choose the type of spare you have and tell the tool roughly how far you need to travel. It returns a conservative guidance range while you look up the exact figure in your owner's manual.
- Select the spare type — a compact temporary spare, a full-size temporary, or a matching full-size spare.
- Enter the approximate distance to your destination or the nearest tire service.
- Read the recommended maximum distance and speed, then plan the shortest route using surface streets where possible.
If your compact spare is rated for a maximum of 50 miles at no more than 50 mph, and the nearest shop is 40 miles away, the tool confirms you can reach it, provided you keep the speed down and check the spare's pressure first.
What the results mean
Compact temporary spares are designed only to get you to a service location, not for ongoing driving. They are narrower, have shallower tread and a different construction, which affects braking, cornering and stability — especially in wet or snowy conditions.
How it is calculated
The tool applies the typical manufacturer guidance for a compact spare — a distance limit in the region of 50 miles and a speed limit near 50 mph — and compares it with your entered distance. Full-size temporary spares usually carry a higher but still limited rating. Always confirm the exact figures in your owner's manual.
Important limitations
Manufacturer limits vary and take precedence over any general figure. Never exceed the stated speed, never use more than one compact spare at a time, do not use a compact spare on a driven axle where it could stress a limited-slip or all-wheel-drive system beyond limits, and treat any spare as a temporary solution only.