Space saver wheels are a type of spare wheel.
These wheels are usually smaller and thinner than your vehicle’s regular tyres. They are a lightweight alternative to a full-size replacement wheel and are great if you do not have an emergency puncture repair kit.
They are designed ONLY to get you to a safe place in order to get a regular tyre fitted. They have a shallower tread depth and are made from a softer rubber compound, so are designed to be temporary.
Before you hit the road, here’s everything you need to know about space saver wheels. We’ve rounded up the answers to your most frequently asked questions!
Usually, you are only permitted to drive at 50mph on a space saver wheel and this is in dry conditions. In wet or icy conditions, it is important to drive with even more caution and at a slower speed.
Some vehicles come equipped with a space saver wheel, but they can also be bought separately.
Modern vehicles are increasingly less likely to have a space saver. Manufacturers may opt not to include one to reduce your vehicles weight, increase its fuel efficiency and leave you with more space.
As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity and more cars are fitted with run flat tyres, many drivers may prefer to rely on roadside assistance rather than changing their tyres themselves.
Space saver wheels are not universal, so you should exercise caution and speak with a trusted mechanic before purchasing or fitting one to your vehicle.
When you are driving on a space saver wheel, you will notice differences in the handling of your vehicle. You will likely experience decreased grip on the road (due to having a shallower tread depth), 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.
If you’re towing a caravan or trailer and get a puncture, then it’s usually OK to fit a space saver spare to any axle on the car, but be sure to check the handbook for advice regarding your vehicle.
If you have a space saver fitted and are towing a caravan or trailer, head straight to a tyre specialist for a replacement or a repair. Do not attempt a long journey on a space saver tyre.
The placement of your space saver tyre depends on whether your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive.
If your vehicle is front wheel drive, you should place the space saver tyre on the back and move the rear tyre from the same side to the front.
It is important to keep your regular tyres on the front of your vehicle as your front tyres are crucial for turning. By placing your full-sized tyres to the front, you can ensure your vehicle is more stable and easier to handle.
With a rear wheel drive, you should place your space saver on the front, but this could cause damage to the
limited slip differential (LSD).
You should drive extremely slowly and cautiously (particularly in the wet), as it there is a much higher risk of wheelspin.
Your car will not pass it’s MOT if you have a space saver wheel fitted as a road wheel.
These spare wheels are only designed for temporary use, so they do not meet the MOT standards for road-worthy and safe tyres.
There isn’t a legal maximum number of occasions you can use your space saver tyre.
However, it is recommended that you use your space saver tyre for no more than 50 miles.
This means that theoretically, you can use it several times over so long as the overall distance does not exceed the total mileage.
But you should remember that space saver tyres are not built to last. With a shallower tread and a softer rubber compound, they will deteriorate quicker than your regular tyres. You should check the overall condition of your space saver regularly and proactively replace it.
While it is wise to be prepared for emergencies, you don’t actually need to carry a spare tyre to pass your MOT.
Since carrying a spare tyre is not a legal requirement, if you have one, its condition won’t be inspected during your MOT.
There is no legal restriction on how far you can drive using a space saver spare wheel. However, it is not recommended that you drive more than 50 miles. If possible, you should seek a replacement tyre earlier than that.
There is no legal restriction on how far you can drive using a space saver spare wheel. However, it is not recommended that you drive more than 50 miles. If possible, you should seek a replacement tyre earlier than that.
You should avoid driving on dual carriage ways and motorways on a space saver wheel where at all possible.
Remember, you can drive a maximum of 50mph on a space saver wheel.
Space saver wheels should be inflated to 60PSI.
You should check the tyre pressure of your spare tyre regularly to ensure it is in optimal condition.
If you experience a puncture and your vehicle is equipped with a space saver tyre, it will likely also be supplied with a jack. You’ll need these, and a locking wheel nut key in order to change the tyre safely.
You should only attempt to change your tyre on the roadside if you are able to pull over into a safe space, away from traffic, and safely move all passengers away from the vehicle and the road. If this is not possible, move away from your vehicle to a safe space and call for emergency breakdown assistance.
- Once you are in a safe spot, ideally on a flat surface, place your hazards kit behind and in front of your vehicle, and turn your hazard lights on. This is to warn any other drivers that you are there, even if you are off the road.
- Using your vehicle manual, familiarise yourself with the equipment supplied and the location of the space saver.
- Remove all passengers from the vehicle and place your hand brake on. Then find a large stone or a brick to use as a ‘chock’ and place it behind the front wheel on the opposite corner of the car.
- Check to ensure you have your locking wheel nut key, without this you will not be able to remove the wheel to replace it. It is worth trying to loosen the nuts before jacking the car up.
- Place the jack on the corner of the car that the flat tyre is on. The jack should align with grooves on the underside of the car. Place the jack under the groove and lift the vehicle by turning the jack.
- Once you have lifted up the car, take the flat tyre off, carefully setting aside the nuts. Place the tyre flat on the road surface and replace with your space saver wheel.
- Make sure the wheel is central and flush before tightening the nuts with the wheel brace while the wheel is still in air.
- Gradually let the jack down until the wheel is in contact with the road surface, and resume retightening the nuts one at a time.
- Once you are confident the space saver wheel is on securely, fully let the jack down and remove it, placing the space saver entirely on the road.
- Don’t forget to pack your damaged tyre into the car and any other equipment before carefully proceeding on your journey.
Remember – space savers are only a temporary solution and should be driven on no faster than 50mph for no further than 50 miles.