SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/donut-spare-speed-limit

You put on the small "donut" spare. How should you drive on it?

Slower than about 50 mph, and only until you can fix the real tire.

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The Just Right card

Too littleTreat it like a full-size tire
Too muchCrawl below 15 mph everywhere
Just rightAt most 50 mph, only as far as needed

Huh, didn't know that: Compact spares often use higher pressure than regular tires. Check the pressure printed on the spare's sidewall.

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What did the jack say to the car? Can I give you a lift?
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References

Answer: Under about 50 mph, only as far as needed. A compact spare is for emergencies and has lower speed and distance limits. Do not exceed 50 mph, get the regular tire fixed soon, and check your spare's sidewall.

  1. Michelin: Driving on a Spare Tire www.michelinman.com/auto/auto-tips-and-advice/tires-101/driving-on-a-spare-tire
    Do not exceed 50 mph on a compact spare, and avoid aggressive acceleration, hard braking, or sharp cornering.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Test yourself in the game

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That's stuff everyone should know.