You had a flat and now you’re driving on a so-called donut spare. When should you change back to your normal tire?

The other night was really disappointing. First, the Thunder lost to the Oilers and, second, you had a flat tire on the way home from the game. Thankfully, you had one of those so-called donut spares so you were able to get home rather than wait for someone to bring you a spare and change the tire. Now you’re wondering how much time you have on the donut before you have to get a new tire or get your old tire repaired.

The easy answer is as soon as possible.

Autoevolution.com explains, “A donut tire is the funny-looking skinny wheel most modern cars carry as a spare tire these days. They are also called compact spare tires or temporary spare tires, but that does not change that they are an emergency solution and not a replacement wheel. Their size and shape help them save space in the car and also be lighter than a regular spare tire. This convenience comes with compromises, of course.

“The most important and most dangerous compromise concerns the handling and safety of your car. Being so narrow doesn’t help too much with the steering and the braking. This affects the car’s handling and could lead to potentially unsafe situations. Especially when braking or accelerating hard, you will have unequal forces that could make the car pull to the side with the spare wheel, so it’s easy to end up in a ditch or the incoming traffic. …  Also, keep in mind that electronic stability control and traction control systems will not work properly with a compact spare.”

Because of that, autoevolution.com recommends you try to stay off highways while riding on a donut and never go above 50 mph.

Your best move is to contact the trusted Wichita tire experts at Tracy’s Automotive to have them look at the old tire to see if it can be repaired. If it is fixable, Tracy’s Automotive can help. If it isn’t, Tracy’s Automotive can help you find a replacement tire. Tracy’s Automotive carries all sized and brands of tires to fit any car, driving style or driving need.

Tracy’s Automotive is here to help you. If you don’t have time or feel you can take your car to the shop, Tracy’s Automotive will pick it up at your home or work. Then, after your car is serviced or repaired, Tracy’s Automotive will bring it back to you thoroughly cleaned.

Tracy’s passion for a better tire buying, auto care and auto repair experience drove us to develop the model of Tracy’s Automotive Tire Pros. Tracy’s has turned hard work and inspiration into a booming tire and auto repair provider. Now Tracy’s has three locations and serves customers all over Wichita and Goddard – Maple Street auto care and auto repair, E First Street N and W 21st Street N.. Tracy’s is thrilled to be a part of your family’s trusted brands for all auto repair and tire needs.

Tracy’s Automotive is a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.

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