Question regarding temporary use spare tire

[Mike Rezsutek]

I had to fix my third flat in about 18 months today, and that got me
thinking: How many times/miles are the temporary use spare tiress in
Subarus good for (I'm driving a '99 OBW)? I'm sure I put more than the 50
miles I've heard they are rated for on it over those last three trips to
the tire shop. I'm starting to wonder if I should just bite the
bullet and replace it soon.

TIA

Mike

 

[Bob Bailin]

I had to fix my third flat in about 18 months today, and that got me
thinking: How many times/miles are the temporary use spare tiress in
Subarus good for (I'm driving a '99 OBW)? I'm sure I put more than the 50
miles I've heard they are rated for on it over those last three trips to
the tire shop. I'm starting to wonder if I should just bite the
bullet and replace it soon.

TIA

Mike

The "50 miles" you're referring to is the advice not to drive on the spare
at over 50 mph. The actual mileage you get out of the spare depends on
the type of driving you do and whether the spare was on a front or back
axle (putting it on the front wears it out faster).

You can expect at least 500-1000 miles on a spare.

Like any other passenger tire, there are wear indicator bars built into the
tread of the spare tire. Replace the tire when the tread wears down to those
bars.

Bob