Before talking about the convenience, limitations and restrictions of driving on a spare tire, let´s focus on the specifications of a spare tire itself, a no less important subject when it comes especially to vehicle integrity and driver safety:

TYPES OF SPARE TIRES

Full-size:

• matching: Matches the size and tread pattern of the set of tires already on the vehicle and have a longer lifespan. It also gives you more flexibility in terms of the time you can use it before going to a repair shop, as you will notice little or no difference in performance and handling.
• Non-matching: Even though a full-size, it does not match the current set of tires of the vehicle, may be a different size or another manufacturer.

Donut-type (space-savers): Lightweight, with smaller dimensions than the rest of the other tires, with a shallow or no tread depth, less traction and less handling capability in dangerous maneuvers and increasing stopping distance. These kinds of spare tires are not designed to operate the same as full size-tires. 

Folding temporary: Inflatable, collapsible, temporary usually for sports cars, they have to be inflated every time and deflated to store it back in the trunk.

DRIVING ON A SPARE TIRE

Spare tires are a temporary resource and should be replaced as soon as possible; they should never be a permanent replacement; they just allow you to drive to the nearest repair shop or dealer. Driving on a spare for a long time increases wear and tear of a lot of elements of your vehicle.

HOW FAST AND HOW FAR TO DRIVE ON A SPARE TIRE

Refer to the Owner´s Manual for mileage and speed limitations.  Generally speaking, it is approximately 50 to maximum 70 miles

With a space-saver/donut type, drive no farther than 70 miles and no faster than 50 miles per hour before replacing it. Driving longer distances will cause serious damages to your vehicle.

If a full-size spare tire matches in size and shape the three others, there is no problem driving as long as you want.

M&M VEHICLE TRANSPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

• Inspect periodically your spare tire, as regularly as your other tires; keep it properly inflated and make sure it is in optimal conditions.
• Don´t leave a spare tire longer than recommended by the manufacturer; prolonged use of a spare tire may cause mechanical problems.
• Important information can be found on the right side of the tire.
• Be extra careful and drive slowly with donuts or small-sized spare tires.
• Follow the manufacturer´s guidelines regarding speed and distance limitations.