Space Saver Wheels

[Bazile]

Is there a maximum period of time that you can legally use a space saver wheel ?

[douglas9401]

Until the tread wears to the legal limit

[Hopkirk]

As there is no requirement to record when it is fitted, any attempt to apply a limit would be impossible to enforce.

[EDDIE51]

You can only legally use them to get to a garage or tyre center so that the full size wheel can be repaired or replaced. There is also a 30 mph speed limit for them. I regularly see people driving on them for weeks or months though and the police can't be bothered.

[emeritus]

I think the limit is 50 mph Eddie

[emeritus]

From the AA

Maximum speed is usually restricted to 50mph for safety reasons

[TonyV]

I would never use one for as soon as I could get the tyre fixed - they are only emergency tires

[EcclesCake]

You might find this handy Eddie.

https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/safety/non-standard-spare-wheels

[EDDIE51]

^ Thanks I was thinking it was 30mph. But as the link says ,they are temporary, designed to get you to a place of repair only.

[douglas9401]

"There’s no maximum distance but the speed restriction, limited tread (only 3mm from new) and softer rubber compound mean that the distance covered before repair shouldn’t be excessive."

You added 'only' yourself Eddie.

[mikey4444]

Its best to treat them as a temp. measure, just to get you home, and then to a garage to get old tyre repaired or replaced.

[TWR]

Bazile, my advise if you have these stupid dam wheels if you have one, " Get Rid" and get a proper wheel, my last 2 cars had these stupid wheels when bought & I purchased off a selling site a proper wheel, that is providing your boot can except one, these stupid things will only fit the smaller size boot on some cars, I was fortunate both boots in my car except the replaced wheel.

[TonyV]

TWR lots of boots on new cars will only take manufacturers space saving wheels

[TWR]

Yes Tony I'm aware of that, the stupid things.

[EDDIE51]

Most new cars now don't even have a space saver spare. Just a tube of sealant and a gas canister to re-inflate the punctured tyre.

[TonyV]

That's true Eddie

[Tilly2]

I had a puncture two weeks ago. What a faff that was! No spare wheel and no idea what to do with the canister thingy. I called The AA in the end.

[TonyV]

But then you need a new tire and replacement sealant

[Old_Geezer]

Awful things. I was unaware I had a Noddy spare wheel until I needed it, and then had to go 130 miles down a motorway at 50 mph ! Whoever invented then needs to have one rammed where they would be given pause for thought !

[TonyV]

OG saves a bit of steel and cost for the car manufacturers

[Old_Geezer]

Compared to the cost of a new car it is never worth the resulting annoyance to the customer. Next car I'm going to check they aren't skimping like that.