WHAT IS A DONUT TYRE?

Like a spare tyre, a donut tyre is a replacement tyre that is stored inside your vehicle in case you get a flat tyre and need to replace it. Unlike a regular spare tyre, though, a donut tyre is actually smaller than the regular tyres on your vehicle in order to fit into your trunk. Because it’s smaller and less durable, though, it’s important to consider how fast you can drive with a donut as well as how long you can expect one to last.

Donut tyre

If you’ve been driving around on a donut tyre it’s important to get it replaced as soon as possible. Don’t keep driving around with a donut. Instead, make your way to get it replaced. 

How Far Can I Drive on a Donut Tyre?

Donut tyres are only meant to be temporary fixes for a flat tyre until you can safely reach a tyre service center to get your tyre replaced. In general, most donuts should not be driven on for longer than 50-70 km/h

How Fast Can You Drive on a Donut Tyre?

Because donuts are smaller than standard tyres, they aren’t built to put up with the same stresses — they have little to no tread, and are more of a stopgap than anything. And since they’re smaller than your vehicle’s other tyres, they have to spin faster to keep up with the moving vehicle. Because of all that, you shouldn’t drive faster than 50km/h on a donut.

How Should I Drive with a Donut Tyre?

Because donuts are only stopgaps before you get to a service center for a full-size tire replacement, your vehicle’s performance will likely be compromised when you’re driving on one. Take the following precautions when driving with a donut:

Be ready for compromised handling, cornering, and braking.

Drive slower, generally no more than 50 km/h.

Beware that your traction and stability control systems won’t be working properly.

Make sure the tyre pressure is where it needs to be.