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r/MechanicAdvice•
lethalcup

Driving on a donut tire for ~2 weeks

Hi all,

I recently had a nail go into my tire and I guess I didnt notice it because the tire has a black skid mark along the side wall which means it's sustained run flat damage and needs to be replaced. I put the donut tire on that wheel for now. I have two other tires with low tread so I'm just going to replace all four. I went to Costco to get an estimate and the Michelin tires that I wanted are expected to come in in 1 or 2 weeks.

So my question is, can I leave the donut on there for that long? I don't drive much and can drive even less if need be. I'd expect to drive less than 75 miles in the next two weeks, and ideally not at all in rain.

To clarify on the Costco thing, I'm getting a good deal there, 110 off 4 tires. I could get the same tires at Discount Tire for about 50 bucks more if I can't drive on the Donut.

Posted Aug 8, 2020, 8:34 PM UTC · edited

26
RGeronimoH•

a few things to consider:

  • These tires dont handle ANYTHING like what a standard tire does
  • These tires dont wear anything like a standard tire does
  • You shouldnt have this tire on a steering position
  • You may get pulled over and ticketed for using this tire for an extended period
  • Depending on your car, you may cause damage to it by running it for an extended period of time

It may be worth considering a visit to a tire shop (don't know if Costco would) to purchase a cheap used tire to get you by for this period.

3
lethalcupOP•

Thanks. The tire is on the rear passenger side of the car. I'm using the car for extremely limited use over the next two weeks, 75 miles is really the upper limit for how much I'd use the car. I could get my tires replaced immediately at Discount Tire for only $50 more or so, so if its really not worth the risk I may just go ahead and do that.

2
Venkman_P•

I could get my tires replaced immediately at Discount Tire for only $50 more or so, so if its really not worth the risk I may just go ahead and do that.

The donut's lifetime mileage is around 50 miles, so if you drive it 75 miles, you saved $50 and have to spend $200 for a new donut.

Plus, as mentioned, it's kind of dangerous. Donut is there to get you to the nearest service station at low speed and very carefully.

1
Philip_De_Bowl•

According to the manual, up to 50 miles at up to 50 mph, for most cars.

According to the person weaving in and out of traffic on my commute for over a week, it's fine!

3
converter-bot•

50 miles is 80.47 km

1
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1