Davestamf

When I had a puncture in my previous car, a 2.0 Impreza Sport, the whole experience was a nightmare. Driving on the ridiculous space-saver, then having to find 4 new tyres because the previous brand was no longer available. Sure it cost plenty, but the hassle was the worst part. Now, in my new WRX, I was driving to Heathrow on a Sunday and it dawned on me that a puncture would leave me completely stranded 150 miles from home. The only way I can think of preventing such a nuisance would be to buy a spare wheel with proper tyre and keep it in the boot. I've never needed to use much space in the boot anyway. Has anyone thought of doing the same?

Dave

Scooby Snacks 23

I recently had a puncture (my first in 15 years of driving!) and I put on the spacesaver. I was about 5 miles from home and 20 miles form work.

Needless to say, I drove home, and then took my fiancees car to work.

I hate the spaced saver, and would not dream of doing anymore than a few miles with it. However, pleased to say that I've just bought 5 alloys off a guy from here and the spacesaver is no more!!!

Davestamf

Scooby Snacks 23

That does it. I'm following your lead and dumping the dreaded mini wheel.

Cheers

Dave

Flat 4x4

Buy some foam squares and you get a raised but level boot floor for your full size as well! Did it when I had mine cos I hate spacesavers. Even my turbo 4x4 Skoda has a full size spare FFS

moomin

I think you could be signing up for even more hassle than your last mission IMHO!

If you are going to dump the spare and replace it with an alloy then surely you will need six wheels (assuming that your tyres are directional), four fitted and two spare (one for each direction/side). Also check your tyres aren’t left or right sided as that wont help either!

Personally I wouldn’t fancy running a tyre in the opposite way to which it’s designed, and if it’s raining forget it!!

The spare isn't really that bad is it?! Admittedly it's not very sexy but it isn’t supposed to be, it’s only to get you to the nearest fitters/home. Can't say I’m a fan of max speed of 50 though

care3

yep recently bought a full size spare,as the space saver didnt go over my 4 pots,looks very tidy.

Dyney

moomin,
Not a problem if you geta multi-directional tyre!!!

Franx

I thought about that yesterday, as I have a spare 16" alloy. It had no chance at all of fitting in the space where the space saver was though, without making a huge bump in the loadspace carpet.
Can it be done, or is this just a no go?

Twohot

I was thinking that. How on Earth are you fitting the alloys in the same hole as the space saver?
I take it they're 15" alloys then as I'm not even gonna consider checking if my 17s will fit the hole!!!!

Ben

Franx

I would think a 15" might just about fit in the hole - my 16 did very nearly fit in, but the width (205) was too much. Probably got no chance with 17s though!

Dyney

The diameter for a spacesaver and any alloy sould be the same!!!!
Only the width will change!

I have a 17" spare alloy and it fits fine. It just leaves a bump in the boot carpet, but that can be sorted with foam blocks and a false floor

DanTheMan

Have a look at www.ultraseal.biz as they are claiming that this tyre sealant works really well, infact is bullet resistant and rated up to 160mph and at £25 a pop could be worthwhile as it should eliminate punctures and the need for a space saver. It also says its water based and does not gunk up your alloys like those "get you home" tyre aerosols.....