Driving on a Spare Tyre: What You Need to Know

There are two main types of spare tyre you might find in your car. A full-size spare is the same size as your regular tyres — it can be used for the full life of a tyre and in some cases rotated into the main set. Full-size spares are now quite rare on new cars due to the weight and space they require.

A space-saver spare — often called a 'skinny spare' — is a narrower, smaller tyre designed only for temporary use. It's lighter and takes up less boot space, but it comes with strict operating limitations that must not be ignored.

Space-saver spare tyres are typically rated to a maximum speed of 50mph and a maximum distance of 50 miles. These limits exist because the tyre is not the same size as the others on the car — it affects handling, braking, and the operation of stability systems including ABS and ESP.

Driving at motorway speed on a space-saver spare is genuinely dangerous. The size mismatch can cause the car to handle unpredictably and can damage the differential on four-wheel-drive vehicles. Stick to the limits, get off the motorway at the next junction, and get the punctured tyre repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

A space-saver spare is an emergency measure — it should get you to the nearest tyre fitter, not serve as a long-term solution. Call Cardiff Mobile Tyres as soon as you're safely able to, and we can come to you with a replacement tyre so you can get back to a full set and normal driving as quickly as possible.

Also check the space-saver tyre pressure before using it — spare tyres are often overlooked in routine pressure checks and may be under-inflated when you actually need them. Include the spare in your monthly pressure check routine.