Emergency reserve: How many kilometers can I do?

If one of your tires goes flat and you fit the emergency spare, do you know how far you can go?

Many new cars come with tire repair kits or run-flat tires, but quite a few still have a spare wheel on the floor under the boot, which can prove especially useful in the event of a flat tire. Sometimes it's a regular-sized wheel, and sometimes it's a smaller spare.

The emergency reserve is designed to get drivers out of extremely difficult situations, especially on some mountainous and remote route. Of course, it is good to know the proper steps to install it yourself, as this will save you a lot of time.

So after stopping the vehicle safely and replacing the tire with the spare wheel, restart the engine and start for the nearest vulcanizer or for your home if the distance is not far.

The limit with the reserve is 80 km/h

Do not attempt to continue the journey thinking that with this reserve you are safe. This particular tyre, with its very small tread width, is an emergency solution and not a replacement wheel. It is this size and shape in order to save space in the trunk. It's about convenience but with compromises.

The most important compromise concerns the safety and handling of the vehicle. Because it is very narrow, small and light, it affects the driving behavior, especially when braking. If you build up speed and attempt to slow down sharply, such great forces will be exerted on the spare wheel that it could lead to dangerous situations.

That is why when using this thin wheel you must move at a speed that does not exceed 80 km/h, while on a winding road, the speed must be much lower (50 km/h). Note that electronic stability and traction control systems do not work effectively with the spare tire.

According to the manufacturers, the distance you will travel should not exceed 115 km. Some consider that even 80 km is more than enough.

This view is supported by the fact that these tires are not manufactured like regular ones. They are less durable and not as reliable in terms of quality. Also, if a nail or other object passes through, they become useless. Even if they are never used, the rubber wears out. So, drivers should check them if the years have passed.

The conclusion is that the emergency reserve is the ideal solution, especially for smaller cars. It's obviously at a disadvantage compared to a normal spare, but it doesn't take up much space, it's easy to put in and if you're very careful on the way to the vulcanizer, you'll appreciate it at the end of the day.