ok, so we can use a space saver tyre on a car, (with speed and distance restrictions)
I have bought a car with a set of alloys and a set of steel rims… there is a spare tyre on a steel rim … if i was running on the alloys and had a puncture would it be legal to use the spare ■■ it would be a different size as would a space saver… and it would obviously affect the handling and braking,
So is it just the same rules as a space saver, ie. speed and distance ■■?
If the steel spare still has the same size tyre as the alloys then it isn’t a problem - my car has that system, & it’s a normal tyre so no limits on speed etc. However, if the steel tyre is a different size then it’s definitely not legal to use it. Space saver tyres still have the same circumference of the standard tyre, they are obviously just narrower & that’s the reason for the speed limits etc.
yep, thats the problem, they are same diameter but different width, BUT space savers are different width also, errrrrexcuse me constable, could you keep me right ■■?
Run flats are the future! Slightly rougher ride but worth their weight in gold, almost literally with the amount tyres cost for my car!
switchlogic:
Run flats are the future! Slightly rougher ride but worth their weight in gold, almost literally with the amount tyres cost for my car!
Unless there on a German made car. The computer will tell you that you can drive 90 Ks. the tyre gives out after about 5.
Trukkertone:
ok, so we can use a space saver tyre on a car, (with speed and distance restrictions)
I have bought a car with a set of alloys and a set of steel rims… there is a spare tyre on a steel rim … if i was running on the alloys and had a puncture would it be legal to use the spare ■■ it would be a different size as would a space saver… and it would obviously affect the handling and braking,
So is it just the same rules as a space saver, ie. speed and distance ■■?
i run with aftermarket alloys through summer and original steels through winter,if i get puncture in summer i fit the spare steel wheel on car until i can get it repaired,ive even run for a week or two into winter with steels on front,alloys on back,never had a problem other than i forgot about arrows on tyres when i changed to alloys and spun it on slip road in greasy conditions 
,well i assume it was that as never had a problem since then
My car has four alloys and a steel spare of identical spec. never had a problem when I’ve used it and tyre dealer has never mentioned it is illegal.
Somebody told me some car models don’t even have a space saver they come with some spray thing that goes inside the tyre to repair a puncture. I thought you needed a spare tyre by law?
merc0447:
Somebody told me some car models don’t even have a space saver they come with some spray thing that goes inside the tyre to repair a puncture. I thought you needed a spare tyre by law?
Smart cars dont have a spare . Its not law to have a spare wheel.
Suffolk ReeferBoy:
merc0447:
Somebody told me some car models don’t even have a space saver they come with some spray thing that goes inside the tyre to repair a puncture. I thought you needed a spare tyre by law?Smart cars dont have a spare . Its not law to have a spare wheel.
im sure i took my spare out for a m.o.t a few years ago as it was ilegal[not enough tread],on the advice of m.o.ter,he said if its in boot it has to be legal,so took it out,fair few years ago so may of changed
one of my previous jobs when i got bored with trucking , was an MOT tester, the spare tyre is NOT a test item… it wouldn’t matter if it was bare wire… BUT it would be illegal as soon as you put it on the car and went on the road.
bit of info on these spacesaver tyre/rim, for those who have them! a relative had a VW, during the past winter she left home for work and tyre was flat so the spare (spacesaver was fitted) she then procedded to go work which is approx 10 miles away, unfortunately she lost control of vehicle on a bend and took a lamppost out, no injuries so no real big deal, until car was recovered nd insurance got involved, not knowing any different she told the ins co about change of wheel earlier in the day… result insurance would not pay out for the repair to her car!! they used the vw handbook literature about using the space saver, took the time of day into consideration and that she had passed 2 tyre places as well as other garages, she was fully comp but the claim was reduced to 3rd party…
ady1:
im sure i took my spare out for a m.o.t a few years ago as it was ilegal[not enough tread],on the advice of m.o.ter,he said if its in boot it has to be legal,so took it out,fair few years ago so may of changed
TYRES/WHEELS
Tyre condition
A failure with respect to tyre wear will result where:-
The grooves of the tread pattern are not at least 1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising:
- Central 3/4 of the breadth of tread
- Entire outer circumference of the tyre.
Tyres must be correctly matched with regard to:
- Type
- Size
- Structure
- Location on the vehicle with respect to the axles.
Also examined:
- General condition of tyre
- Condition of valve
Tyres fail if they have serious cuts, bulges or other damage. The wear on the tyre is checked with a tyre tread depth gauge to ensure compliance. The tyres are examined to ensure that there is no fouling with any part of the vehicle.
More… | Top of Page
Note:
The condition of the spare tyre is not part of the MOT.
dle1uk:
bit of info on these spacesaver tyre/rim, for those who have them! a relative had a VW, during the past winter she left home for work and tyre was flat so the spare (spacesaver was fitted) she then procedded to go work which is approx 10 miles away, unfortunately she lost control of vehicle on a bend and took a lamppost out, no injuries so no real big deal, until car was recovered nd insurance got involved, not knowing any different she told the ins co about change of wheel earlier in the day… result insurance would not pay out for the repair to her car!! they used the vw handbook literature about using the space saver, took the time of day into consideration and that she had passed 2 tyre places as well as other garages, she was fully comp but the claim was reduced to 3rd party…
Insurance companies are modern day ■■■■ turpins
Toyota RAV 4’s just come with a can of sealer and no spare wheel, weird. A caravanning friend of mine had a puncture on the M1, he drove a Merc, and fitted the spacesaver spare but the Police insisted that he had to either leave at the next exit or pull into the services as it is illegal to tow with a spacesaver fitted.
Also were you aware that some Vauxhall Corsa’s have spare wheels left over from the Vectra range which are an inch larger in diameter than the road wheels, certainly makes the car handle differently and owners are not really aware of the size difference unless they look closely!
Interestingly when I take cars for test (and I take several per year) the tester now checks the spare tyre for inflation which he hasn’t done before, though presumably it isnt a failure point at the moment?
Pete.