Has anyone ever used the Space Saver spare wheel???

[Gerald-TVR]

Looking at it recently (while trying to decide if its worth keeping in the boot)it seems clear that it couldnt be used on a rear wheel as the difference in rolling diameter compared to an original is such (about 2" plus) that the diff would be working overtime and possibly be over stressed.

I would think that if it were on the front the difference in resistance between the footprint of the SSaver and original would make the car very difficult to drive.

Has anyone actually used the space saver?

[steve j]

Hi Norm, I used mine just once, and I kept the car at low speeds. I had a puncture on the front, the valve stem failed. The car did feel strange and wanted to pull to one side, but I didn`t have far to go to get the puncture sorted.

[Elfit]

I carry a can of tyre weld with me and would use that in preference.

Here's a cautionary tale of carrying a damaged tyre inside the car
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_...

Poor woman served with the army in Afghanistan and died whilst on holiday in Scotland when a damaged tyre exploded inside her car.They were running on a space saver tyre and there was no room for the damaged tyre in the boot.

Tim

[Barkychoc]

Someone had to use it on the way home from S Club 2008 I think (Russ35 ? But I'm very vague)
His tyre was totally shredded so a can of foam would have been useless.

I don't see it as a problem with different diameter tyres with an open diff, but I think you could possibly cause some damage if run for any length of time with a limited slip diff but I don't really have enough knowledge.

[Gerald-TVR]

Hi Chris

Would have thought even with an open diff the gearie things inside would have been wizzing like crazy and could damage themselves

Norman

[zombeh]

I've used it as a tool to help undo the rear hub nuts, does that count?

[Alan Whitaker]

I use it as a temp seat but if anybody wants one

Alan

[Russ35]

Barkychoc said:

Someone had to use it on the way home from S Club 2008 I think (Russ35 ? But I'm very vague)
His tyre was totally shredded so a can of foam would have been useless.

I don't see it as a problem with different diameter tyres with an open diff, but I think you could possibly cause some damage if run for any length of time with a limited slip diff but I don't really have enough knowledge.

Yep, it was I. Back to Blackpool via the A roads. That was a slow trip back trying to keep the speed below 50. No really problems. Just pulled over for a few minutes every 30miles or so to stop it getting to warm.

Can of foam wouldn't have help that much. Just glad I got the puncture as we were slowing down to leave the A1 and not a few minutes earlier when we may have been going a little faster.

[phillpot]

Drove some distance using one on the front of a Saab few years ago, car still handled and drove surprisingly well.

[orange_dodo]

Just as a word of warning. I ditched my spare and replaced it with a can of Tyre Weld.

Was having a great time at TiTT4 until I went to get something from the boot and found the can had discharged everywhere

I can see why tyre places don't like it, its a royal to get off, especially fabric!

[keesiev]

I used the spare tyre once as well. Had a punctured front tyre.
The only real problem was, that the pressure in the tyre was quite low as well. Had to drive very slow to the nearest gas station.

So a tip: check the tyre pressure on your spare wheel regularily!

[clarenceboddiger]

I would agree with the diff problem and would only use it on the front even if it was a rear that had gone, it just means changing 2 tyres instead of 1.

[phillpot]

Don't see a problem with the diff ? would just be doing what its made to do, ok we don't normally drive round in constant circles but unless you do lots of motorway driving bet your diff is working lot more than you may think

We are talking "get me home" mileage not a permanent thing

ETA just measured spacesaver with my DD (Vectra) nearly 3" smaller diameter and no caution in handbook about Knackering diff !

Edited by phillpot on Monday 12th April 16:15