The short answer
A car may carry a full-size spare, a temporary spare, a sealant-and-inflator kit, or another manufacturer-approved solution. These options have different limits. A temporary roadside measure is not proof that the damaged tire can be permanently repaired. Check the equipment and instructions for the exact vehicle.
The supplied solution changes what happens after a puncture
A full-size spare is not necessarily an exact match for the fitted tires. A compact temporary spare usually has specific restrictions. Its pressure and permitted use must come from the vehicle instructions and tire markings, rather than from the normal tires’ values.
A mobility kit aims to restore temporary mobility for the types of damage its instructions allow. It is not a universal solution for a torn sidewall, damaged wheel, or every loss of pressure. Identify the supplied system before you need it, including any restrictions on using sealant or continuing a journey.
Sources: Michelin Canada ↗ · Michelin USA ↗ · National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ↗
A temporary measure leaves a repair decision unresolved
A tire professional may need to remove the tire from the wheel to inspect internal damage. A tire that looks acceptable from outside can have hidden damage, especially after running with insufficient pressure. A roadside plug or sealant application does not perform that internal examination.
Whether a permanent repair is possible depends on the damage, tire construction, previous use, and applicable repair instructions. Do not apply a generic repair rule to every run-flat tire or manufacturer. Tell the tire professional what happened and whether sealant or another temporary treatment was used.
Sources: Michelin USA ↗ · National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ↗
Common misunderstandings
A spare stored out of sight still needs condition and pressure checks. Its presence alone does not prove it will be usable. A pressure-warning system also does not replace the checking procedure for an unfitted spare.
Temporary does not mean unlimited use until a convenient service date. Follow the exact speed, distance, and placement restrictions. If the equipment cannot address the damage or the stopping location is unsafe, seek appropriate assistance rather than improvising a repair to finish the journey.
Sources: Michelin Canada ↗ · Michelin USA ↗ · National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ↗
Sources & review
Reviewed . Original educational explanation, checked against the sources below. This is general guidance; consult the documents for the exact vehicle, year, configuration, and market.
- Can I drive on a spare tire on a day-to-day basis?Michelin Canada · Temporary spare limits; spare, sealant kit and run-flat alternatives. No universal speed or distance supplied. · Accessed 2026-10-23.
- Can my car tire be repaired?Michelin USA · Inspection after removal from wheel; roadside kit versus permanent repair. Michelin-specific repair policy not generalized. · Accessed 2026-10-23.
- Tire Safety Ratings and Awareness · TireWiseNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration · Tire Maintenance; Tire Pressure; Aging · Accessed 2026-10-22.
- Buying a Used Car From a DealerFederal Trade Commission · Do Some Homework; Get an Independent Inspection Before You Buy; The Buyers Guide · Accessed 2026-10-22.
- Wheels and Tires — Tire Sealant and Inflator KitFord Motor Company, online owner manual · Temporary use, damage limits and expiry date. Exact speeds, repair dimensions and tire compatibility remain model-specific. · Accessed 2026-10-23.