Realizing you have a flat tire is always extremely frustrating. You have to get out of your car, change the flat, and figure out where to go from there. Getting your car to a repair shop as safely and quickly as possible is the best option.

If you’re lucky that day, the mechanic might be able to simply patch the flat tire and send you on your merry way. However, if your tire is damaged beyond repair, you’ll need to buy a new one. This can be costly, and many people wonder, “How long can I safely drive on my spare tire?” Well, the best answer to that question is, “It depends.”

The type of spare tire you have makes a difference. The distance you can safely drive after a flat tire depends on the type of spare your vehicle comes equipped with:

Safe-Saver/Donut Spare
These types of tires were created to save space and weight in your vehicle, not built to last. Check your owner’s manual to find out what the recommended time and speed is for driving on a spare tire. A good rule to follow is to drive no more than 70 miles and no faster than 50 mph before you replace your donut with a new tire. With little to no tread, your spare tire is vulnerable to road hazards and you’ll want it replaced as soon as possible.