Should You Get Towed Or Put On The Spare Tire?
Almost every car owner will suffer a puncture at some point in their lives. Quite often, we're told that knowing to change a tire is one of the most important skills we can have. However, there are times when changing a tire isn't necessarily the best option.
Spare tires aren't required to perform at the same levels as regular tires, and as a result, it's important to take certain factors into consideration before we even consider changing a tire.
How Much Further Do You Have to Go?
Spare tires are narrow and not nearly as durable as regular tires. These tires have a maximum range, which is usually around 50 to 70 miles, depending on the manufacturer's rating. Therefore, if you'll need to drive further than this to find a mechanic to repair the tire or a shop where you can buy a replacement tire, it's smarter to call a tow truck.
What are the Road Conditions?
Spare tires can handle the same road conditions as regular tires. Due to their characteristics, they're more likely to be damaged by debris found on the road, such as rocks. Therefore, if you suffer a puncture while driving on an unpaved road, you may not go much further by switching to your spare tire.
How Fast Do You Need to Drive?
As a result of the small size of spare tires, manufacturers recommend that you don't drive at more than 50 miles per hour with a spare wheel on. If you're on certain highways, the minimum speed limit is quite high, therefore, it may not be a good idea to be driving on such roads with a spare tire.
Is it Safe to Change the Tire?
Punctures can happen anywhere, including on a busy highway or in a neighborhood that's not so safe. Sometimes, the problem with changing a spare tire isn't whether or not you can drive on it but whether or not you'll be safe while changing the tire. Even changing your tire when the temperatures outside are very low or when it's late in the evening is quite risky. In such cases, you should ask for 24-hour towing services to tow you to a safer location.
How Much Load Are You Carrying?
As stated earlier, spare tires are not as strong as regular tires. If you're carrying huge loads in your car when you suffer a puncture, a spare tire may not be able to handle this weight for very long.
For more information about towing versus using the spare tire, reach out to a company like Michael's Towing & Recovery.
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