Written by: Howmuchisit.org Staff
A donut tire, also known as a spare tire to most, is meant to be a temporary replacement for a tire that has gone flat. This spare tire can be the same as the original set of tires or can be a lower, generic version. These spare tires won’t have a tread and the body of the tire won’t be reinforced, preventing it from road imperfections.
Usually, these tires can affect the car’s movement and driver’s ability to control the vehicle, and because of this, it is not recommended that you drive on a donut unless you absolutely have to. Basically, when you get a flat tire, you use the donut to get you as far as the nearest repair shop or to your home if you live close by and have a tire that can replace the flat one.
“Jacking up Scion Xb. Removing flat front” (CC BY 2.0) by mauitimeweekly
How much does a donut spare tire cost?From our research, the cost of a donut tire will depend on the car you drive and where you purchase the tire. Most tires, regardless of the car you drive, can range anywhere from $40 to $200. A factory-based donut tire that resembles the cars currently on your car will cost as much as a new tire, whereas a third-party true donut tire can cost as little as $50 to $100. These are the prices for the tire only and won’t include the professional installation at a local tire shop.
The estimates mentioned above will only include the tire and no professional installation.
For instance, popular factory-based donut tires on Amazon retail for about $125 to $200.
According to TireRack.com, the price and cost of the donut tire will depend on the type and the car model. Some cars have their own specific types of tires, even if they are just for replacements. On their website, most of the spare tires range anywhere from $70 to $200.
Donut spare tire overviewYou can purchase a donut spare tire at your local dealership, tire retailer or even online at large retailers such as TireRack.
com. If you don’t mind purchasing used, your local junkyard may have a selection as well. Contrary to popular belief, a donut tire isn’t universal since it needs to match the bolt pattern on your car.
The average donut tire, usually, will only last up to 70 miles. Again, remember this is a temporary solution and your car should be taken to a professional immediately to have it swapped. Check your car’s manual to see the restrictions on your car’s spare tire.
As for distance, you should also drive slower as these tires are built to withstand faster speeds. Since they are more compact, it’s best to keep your speeds under 50 miles per hour.
A donut tire is much smaller than a regular size tire, which means it is easier to fit in your trunk. Many newer cars have a place for the donut under the floor of the trunk so that it does not interfere with your storage space.
What are the extra costs?If purchased online, shipping costs may apply due to the weight of the tire.
Of course, a donut tire is a temporary solution, and you will need to budget for a brand new tire, along with installation. A new tire, depending on the brand and the car you drive, the costs can be anywhere from as little as $125 to more than $300+
When your donut tire is on, your electronic stability control and traction control systems may not work properly.
How can I save money?Weigh your options of a donut tire or a real tire. A donut tire is smaller and easier to store, but it also means you have to buy a donut and also a replacement tire in the future. If you have the room in your car, you may be able to save yourself the money and hassle of having to change the tire twice.
Aside from checking the local junkyard, other great places to find lower priced donut tires can include eBay and Craigslist. If purchasing used, pay close attention to the thread for any punctures or any sign of damage. It’s also best to make sure the tire is properly inflated before storing it.
Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links. Please read our disclosure policy for more info.
Average Reported Cost: $0Donut tires, also known as space-saver or temporary tires, are the latest evolution of spare tires. Sure, they look funny, especially on modern cars with larger wheels, but if used properly, they can be a viable solution when you have a flat tire.
Today, most modern cars come with a donut spare tire in the trunk. However, you can also purchase a spare tire yourself and free precious space in the trunk. But how will you find the perfect donut tire for your car? Let’s dig into more detail and find the best solution for you.
Donut tire is a designation used for the combination of narrow tire and smaller steel wheel. In North America, the term temporary tire also applies to the same product, while in Europe, you can find it as a space-saver tire.
These tires are designed to be used only as a spare tire, and only in case of emergencies. You shouldn’t use these tires for everyday driving, and especially if you drive on the highway. In other words, use them until you repair the damaged tire.
There are many reasons why car manufacturers utilize these tires, and it all starts with the cost. A full-size spare tire will cost much more than a donut spare tire, which can reflect on the vehicle’s sticker price. More accurately, cars with a donut spare tire will be more competitive thanks to the lower prices.
Furthermore, spare tires also free up cargo space. The difference is not significant, especially in larger cars. Nevertheless, car manufacturers can brag about a few more cubic inches of cargo space if they opt for a donut spare tire, which, again, makes them more competitive on the market.
Crucially, though, the temporary spare tire is much lighter than a regular tire and wheel combo.
This means that the whole car will be lighter, which positively affects performance and fuel economy. Moreover, it lets car manufacturers keep exhaust emissions at check.
With that said, donut tires also have disadvantages. Primarily they are much worse in terms of performance and have limited traction and braking capabilities.
Donut tires last for a long time, especially if you don’t experience flat tires that often. However, if you are among the unlucky people that experience that more often, you might need to replace your donut tire after a few driving stints.
Tire manufacturers recommend driving up to 70 miles before replacing the donut tire, so it’s best not to use that distance at once. I’ve seen some people use these tires for longer, but that’s not advisable because it’s not safe.
Meanwhile, some people opt for donut tires to save space inside the trunk, or when they don’t have a viable full-size spare tire.
Also, in some countries that drive on CNG or LPG, the tank for these fuels is usually installed into the spare-tire well, and a narrower donut tire is the only option.
Like regular tires, the donut models are also not created equally. Many brands offer temporary tires at various price points, which makes the purchase decision harder. Here is what you need to look out for when purchasing donut spare tires.
You should always purchase donut tires that have a similar diameter to your existing tires. And, by diameter, I mean the whole wheel – not just the rim. Otherwise, you risk damaging the stability of your car.
Fortunately, you can find many spare tire sizing charts, where you can compare the diameter of temporary spare tires with the diameter of your tire and wheel combo. Some websites will also show you only donut spare tires that fir your car, provided you enter the dimensions of your existing tires.
Or, you can also do the math on the diameter of your tires by following this detailed guide on Tire Rack.
Due to the narrower tread, but also the lower-quality tread compounds, temporary spare tires shouldn’t be used like normal tires. Simply put, these tires lack enough traction for normal driving, and they also don’t last very long, especially if used at higher speeds.
Each donut spare tire should only be driven at speeds up to 50 mph. Also, it would help if you were more careful in the corners, especially when it rains. Moreover, space-saver spare tires don’t last very long – they can only be used up to 70 miles.
Like with most things, there is a large price difference between various donut spare tires. Every large tire manufacturer produces temporary tires, including Bridgestone, Continental, and Pirelli. However, you can also find some budget alternatives from no-name brands.
Even though the premium and cheap donut spare tires adhere to the same limits (50mph and 70 miles), premium brands offer superior tires in terms of performance and durability.
However, they are also much more expensive – temporary spare tires cost from $50 to $300. In the end, it’s your choice.
You can find donut spare tires in every single place that sells normal tires, including your nearest tire shop, but also a well-equipped gas station.
For lower prices, though, I recommend purchasing these products online. Places like Tire Rack, Discount Tire, Auto Zone offer a wide range of donut spare tires, including products from respected tire manufacturers. You can also find low-cost options on Amazon and Walmart.
I hope that this article helped you find the right donut spare tire for your car. Regardless of the brand you choose, always adhere to the limits set by the manufacturer – 50 mph and 70 miles of range.
Also, if you found this article useful, share it with your friends – it might help them the next time they purchase donut spare tires. Or, if you still scratch your head about something, please do not hesitate to ask your question in the comment section below – we’ll be happy to help!
A spare wheel is needed in case any of the car's tires is accidentally damaged.
This is especially true when driving frequently on bad roads. In modern conditions, the spare wheel is represented by several varieties. Among them:
The car can also be equipped with a repair kit.
The car can be equipped with a complete spare wheel, which in terms of its parameters does not differ from the standard wheels in the main set. Experts recommend taking it with you if you have a long journey ahead. A full-fledged spare tire in the event of a main wheel failure allows you to continue driving without worrying about driving safety.
When choosing a full-fledged spare tire, it is advisable to buy one that has the same size and model as the main ones. If such a purchase is not possible, it is necessary to purchase a tire of the same size, which provides an opportunity to get to the nearest point of sale or tire fitting.
Here it is worth mentioning the organizer.
This accessory allows you to conveniently place around and in the spare tire itself tools, washer, warning triangle and more. The spare tire organizer can consist of a different number of compartments, and can also be designed for a specific brand of car.
The main purpose of "dokatka" can be understood from the name itself. Its function is that the driver can easily get to the nearest service center. It can be driven at a speed of no more than 80 km / h, since the parameters of such a spare tire do not match the characteristics of the tires from the kit. "Dokatka" has the following differences from the standard wheel:
The smaller dimensions are needed so that the spare tire takes up less space in the boot. But at the same time, the car owner will have to put up with a deterioration in handling due to the difference in grip with the roadway.
The repair kit is a standard kit that includes the following items:
When pumping, the can is connected to the hose. Air enters the tire along with the sealant, which hardens and “fills” the hole. The repair kit is only suitable for repairing pinholes, and only on the tread. If the cut is on the sidewall, it will not be possible to repair the tire in this way.
If the spare wheel for a car is represented by a "stowaway", then the car's handling is reduced. This is due to the fact that the level of grip of the tire with the road changes. Its contact patch is smaller than a full-fledged wheel from the kit. It leaves much to be desired and the comfort of movement - all for the same obvious reasons.
In most cases, manufacturers complete cars with one spare tire. Perhaps a full-fledged spare tire, designed for summer driving. In winter, they can lead to some difficulties in driving a car. Depending on the installation location, different handling problems may be observed:
Here, with strong braking, a rotating effect occurs - the car simply turns around a smaller diameter tire ("stowaway") or a tire with a different seasonality.
In this case, you must beware of possible drifts. The rear axle is unloaded, which is why when braking and entering turns, the rear of the car can skid.
The reason for such handling problems is different rubber composition and tread pattern. Summer tires are stiffer and harden in the cold, which is why it cannot provide the necessary grip.
Winter is softer and has a more "dissected" pattern, so it clings well to snow and ice.
In the case of a complete winter spare tire, it is important that it matches exactly with the main wheels in the kit. If the tires are different, you will immediately feel it from the very first meters of driving. Especially with the difference between a studded set and a non-studded tire.
If you still have to use a summer spare tire or a “stowaway” in winter, it is better to install them on the rear axle. This rule applies even if the front wheel is damaged. We'll have to rearrange the rear in its place, and instead of the rear - the spare tire.
It is not recommended to travel long distances with a "dock". Maximum - to the nearest service center. It is also permissible to move with such a spare wheel along the short route "work - home", if suddenly it is not yet possible to purchase a new one.
Wheel Change Safety
Spare wheel for the car must be stored in the trunk. The shelf life of a spare tire is equal to the service life of the standard car wheels, even if you have never used it. Outwardly, the tire may look normal, but rubber still loses its properties over the years, and it will be dangerous to ride on it.
Let's tell you what a stowaway or a spare wheel for a car is. What are its dimensions. Why is it needed and how to properly maintain. Do I need to keep constantly pumped up. What machines are installed.
Dokatka is a small spare (or temporary) wheel of a car, which is installed on the site of a damaged one in conditions where there is no possibility to repair the tire and you need to get to the nearest tire service. The dokatka is not intended for long-term use. The maximum speed at which you can go - 80 km / h.
A full-size spare tire is the same size as a car tire. That is, the car is equipped not with four, but with five wheels, one of which is spare. Spares require storage space in the luggage compartment. Manufacturers donate trunk capacity and install a full-fledged spare tire or report a small one that is smaller than the main one.
The car may not have a spare tire, instead it will be a DIY kit. This is due to the fact that runflat tires, which are installed on modern cars, can travel up to 50 km on a flat tire. This should be enough to get to the nearest tire shop.
It depends on the manufacturer.
It happens that direct classmates have different spares. One car has a full-fledged wheel with a stamped disk, and the other has a narrow stowage of a different dimension. For example, in the most expensive cars, the spare wheel is often “folding” (Porsche Caeynne, VW Toureg and others), or not at all, like in BMW - then Run Flat tires are used. And as an emergency wheel - a maximum tire pump and sealant.
A full-fledged spare tire is most often placed in Korean brands of cars, and is also found on serious SUVs and pickups - UAZ, Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover. In all other cars under the floor in the trunk you can often find a spare tire of different dimensions. Often the presence of a dokatka instead of a full-fledged spare wheel is not associated with the prestige and price of the car.
The spare wheel intended for temporary use has a smaller diameter. The air pressure in it is higher than in a standard tire.
