Realizing that you have a flat tire is always frustrating. This means you have to get out of your vehicle, change the flat tire, and figure out where to go from there. Getting your car into a repair shop as quickly as possible is your best option. You may get lucky and find a Granite City, IL mechanic that is able to simply patch up the flat tire and send you on your way. However, if the tire is damaged beyond repair, you will need to buy a new one. This can be costly and make you wonder how long you can drive on your spare tire.
Run-Flat Tires
This type of tire is becoming more common as manufactures are realizing they cost less to maintain then most traditional tires. They are tougher than most tires, however they are not designed to last forever. Rather than include a spare in your vehicle, run-flat tires are built to tolerate most punctures and road hazards. Instead of blowing out or going flat, a run-flat tire can continue to drive after punctured for around 50 miles before it needs to be replaced. There is a downside however and that is that they cost more to replace than traditional tires.
Full-Size Spare Tire
Full-size spare tires are heavier and require more storage space, however they are more durable and are capable of driving similar to a normal tire. However, you are still going to want to buy a new tire when you are able too because this type of spare may not be the same as the other three tires on your vehicle.
Safe-Saver/Donut Spare Tire
A Safe-Saver tire is the type of tire that is created to save space and weight in your vehicle, however, is not built to last. Make sure to check your vehicles owner’s manual to find out what the recommended speed and timing is for driving with this type of spare tire. A good rule to follow is go no more than 70 miles and no faster than 50 MPH before you replace the safe-saver tire with a new one. This spare tire is vulnerable to road hazards as it has little to no tread.
Make sure no matter what type of spare tire that you use, that you get it replaced with a new one by a local Granite City, IL automotive expert. If you need help with replacing your tires give our team at Hotz Automotive a call today!