Space saver wheels are additional tyres that are stored in the vehicle, which are smaller and thinner than your vehicle’s regular tyres. They are designed ONLY to get you to a safe place in order to get a regular tyre fitted.
Will a space saver fit any car?
For a start you have to be sure that the spacesaver has the same number of lugs (pins to attach the wheel to the hub) as your car. These also have to be the same pattern as your car and the same distance apart. If they’re not, the space saver won’t fit. Simple as that.
How long can you drive on a spacer?
The maximum distance you can drive on a space saver tyre is usually marked as around 50 miles (80km) but if necessary they can be driven up to 300 miles (500km) on good surfaces as slow speeds.
Are space saver wheels worth it?
Driving on a space saver wheel
You will likely experience decreased grip on the road, and the space saver tyre itself will deteriorate much faster than a regular tyre. They are an emergency solution and should only be used to get you to a garage where a replacement tyre can be fitted.
What is a space saver on a car? – Related Questions
Why can you only do 50 mph on a space saver?
When you’re driving on a temporary spare tyre, it’s really important to keep an eye on your speed. The speed limit for these tyres is usually capped at 50mph because their smaller size means that they unbalance the vehicle.
Why do cars not have spare wheels anymore?
Over the past decade, more and more car manufacturers have ditched conventional spare wheels for tyre repair kits. They cite two main reasons for this: repair kits take up less space and are lighter, thus aiding fuel economy. But there’s a third reason: cost.
Will my car fail MOT with spare wheel on?
Although a spare wheel is not a requirement for an MOT check – a ‘space saver’ spare fitted as a road wheel will not pass.
Do space saver wheels have to be the same size?
Space saver wheels do not necessarily have to have the same diameter as the alloy wheels fitted to the car. It’s partly to do with weight (less weight means less CO2 emissions), partly limited boot space and partly cost.
Should I put space saver on front or back?
Ideally, they should be put on the back wheels as opposed to the steered wheels. Space saver tyres don’t grip the road as well as normal tyres, which reduces steering and stopping ability.
Should I buy a spare wheel for my new car?
When purchasing any new vehicle, you should always take a look at what’s in the boot. Car makers are under no legal obligation to provide you with a full-size spare or, in fact, anything to deal with a puncture.
What can I use if I don’t have a spare tire?
Here are some simple tips on what to do when you have a flat tire and no spare:
- Use a tire repair kit. Keep a tire repair kit on hand.
- Use a run-flat tire. Purchase run flat tires.
- Contact roadside assistance. Be ready to contact emergency services.
Can you use a 17 inch space saver on car with 18 inch wheels?
The short answer is yes. If you think about it, space saver spare wheels frequently have a smaller diameter than regular wheels. For emergencies, using a smaller wheel to get you home or to a tyre repairer is fine.
How do I choose a space saver wheel?
For example, a 205/55 R16 tyre has the same diameter (631.8mm, radius of 315.9mm) as a skinny 125/80/R17 space saver. In an ideal world, the space saver rolling radius will be the same as the full-size wheel/tyre already fitted to the car. But they can run within 2.5 to 3% of the car’s proper wheels perfectly safely.
How many times can you use a space saver tyre?
It is not recommended to refit a space saver wheel is used for more than 50 miles as the grip is already weakened in comparison to the normal tyres. However, the car mechanic that fixes your flat tyre or fits a new tyre, will be able to recommend whether you need to buy a new space saver.
How long does a space saver tyre last?
The maximum distance you are advised to travel on a saver tyre is normally around 50 miles (as the wheels have a limited 3mm tread) but if it’s necessary you can drive up to 300 miles.
Can you replace a space saver tyre with full-size?
They are not designed to be driven over long distances and studies have shown that they may compromise the performance, functionality and emergency handling of a vehicle. This means it is essential that you swap your space saver tyre for a new full-sized tyre as soon as possible.
Is it worth having a full-size spare?
Having a full-size spare means buying a set of five tires for your car, instead of four, so you have a normal tire ready to go if something happens. The major advantage to having a full-size spare is that it’s not a temporary fix. You can put on a full-size spare to replace the flat and continue with your day.
Can you tow with a space saver tyre?
Space saver tyres are NOT intended for use while towing a caravan, or any other trailer. They are also NOT intended to do any more than get you to the nearest tyre depot to get the proper size tyre replaceor repaired if it is capable of repair.
Can I drive without a spare tyre?
No, the law doesn’t state that you must have a spare tyre on hand to fit in the event of a puncture. However, it is advisable that you do if your vehicle doesn’t use run flat tyres. The majority of new cars use run flat tyres so don’t need a spare.
When did they stop putting spare tires in cars?
In 1941 during World War II and again in 1951 during the Korean War, the United States put a ban on spare tires on new cars because of shortages of rubber produced overseas. Nevertheless, the spare tire made its comeback after each restriction.