"Space saver" spare wheel. - Page 2

2011G6E · 07-05-2013, 11:57 AM

That's an interesting point about "if there's not room for a full sized spare, where do you put the flat wheel...?"

At my previous job, the bosses wife turned up in a Mercedes convertible...an SLK I seem to remember...and she was showing us over her new purchase. We were looking in the tiny boot, and someone asked "where's the spare", and she said it didn't have one...just a can of spray leak fix crap.

Then someone did ask the obvious..."what happens if the flat can't be fixed by a spray tin of goo?" She had no idea...the possibility hadn't even crossed her mind.

The other thing with space savers isn't so much the lowered speed...it's the distance you are allowed to travel on it. One in a friends car said "80kph for a maximum of 120km". Out here that doesn't give you a lot of confidence...not to mention the number of cars you see in the city that seem to just keep on driving around on them for a looooong time.

xisled · 07-05-2013, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by au3xr6

a 200 acre property with a hard paved area large enough and far enough away from buildings to safely do burnouts? yea right. and what I said about using space saver tyres ( low speed limp home tyres) for burnouts still stands, no sanctioned burnout comp would allow them for safety reasons. private property is no excuse to engage in dangerous behaviour that workcover ( yes they still apply on private property) or any motorsport body would say no to.
my comment stands using low speed limp home tyres for burnouts is stupid

The area where they do the burnouts is a concreted place that was going to be home to water tanks. It bigger than a normal skid pan at a track. Also the nearest building is about 1k away.

flappist · 07-05-2013, 12:08 PM

ok enough.

The topic is space saver spares in new cars.

Not burnouts.
Not 20 year old cars.
Not 4WDs in the middle of the Simpson desert.

Keep it on topic or it will be closed.

XP6 · 07-05-2013, 12:45 PM

Dealer fit Country pack anyone!
Most dealers will help you if you ask for a full size spare along with the towbar tint mats and poxy sticker in the window... dont forget the BS paint protection too!

mike_nofx · 07-05-2013, 01:21 PM

I kind of wish my wagon had a space saver instead of a full sized steel wheel. In the egas wagon the spare is standing up mounted on an arm on the right side of the boot.
Would give me 3"(?) extra boot width, and the full size steel spare cant be rotated as a 5th wheel with the alloys anyway. Plus I would change the tyre that day, or next day if I got a puncture anyway.

Franco Cozzo · 07-05-2013, 04:10 PM

I went to Essendon Ford today, got myself an oil filter and sump plug washer for the Focus and asked about the steel wheels, they said they would get back to me.

Fingers crossed

Yellow_Festiva · 07-05-2013, 04:31 PM

Trawl eBay or other online sellers, you may be lucky and get a cheap set, look up other cars that have the same pattern and offset.

Crazy Dazz · 07-05-2013, 04:46 PM

I really don’t get the resurgence in the “can of goo” concept. This rubbish was around in the 70’s, usually peddled by companies like K-tel.
It is only going to work for a minor hole, maybe something like a tek screw? Thing is that such holes can usually be plugged, patched, and balanced, but if you have filled your tyre with goop it’s useless.
Holes big enough to write-off the tyre, such as gouges in the sidewall or running over bits of scrap steel, would be too big for the goop to mend.

uniacidz · 07-05-2013, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

I went to Essendon Ford today, got myself an oil filter and sump plug washer for the Focus and asked about the steel wheels, they said they would get back to me.

Fingers crossed

Hey

Dunno what focus you have or even wheel size.

But check out ebay as well.

Heres a basic search
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_f...s&LH_PrefLoc=1

Franco Cozzo · 07-05-2013, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uniacidz

Hey

Dunno what focus you have or even wheel size.

But check out ebay as well.

Heres a basic search
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_f...s&LH_PrefLoc=1

Yeah I can't find any on ebay, I need 16" steelies for LV/LW.

svo supporter · 07-05-2013, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

The idea is to "encourage" you to get the dead tyre fixed or replaced and not drive around for 20,000 km on a full size spare that has a different tread pattern and is fitted backwards.....

Didn't realise Focus space saver tyres were directional......Glad you enlightened me....

The only space saver tyres I can think of that are directional are performance based vehicles...ie the FPV's and HSV's.....Even then, they're moving away from that these days...

svo supporter · 07-05-2013, 05:46 PM

The general public always want more boot space, especially with smaller cars.....So manufacturers fit space saver spares to satisfy the customer.....Now, all you hear is whinging and whining from the general public (especially at a tyre shop) complaining about the stupid space saver spare.

So what should the manufacturers put up with....Whinging about the space saver, or the lack of boot space, because they made room for a full sized spare?

Larger cars.....The space saver is put in, to reduce on-sell costs.....Just in case people don't read, Aussie built cars are flat out competing with imports....So this is one way Aussie manufacturers try and make them more affordable.....

Finally, think yourselves lucky.....Alot of European cars don't even have a spare.....They're supplied with a can of crap and an air pump.....I'm talking about Mercs, BMW's and alikes....So not just you normal every day taxi pack cars....

**Silver Ghia** · 07-05-2013, 06:13 PM

Things that puzzle me.

How roadworthy are space saver wheels? I'm sure if you have a space saver fitted on the car when having a RWC inspection done, it would be knocked back as unroadworthy.

And surely the braking performance and stability of a car is affected when a spacesaver is fitted.

So how come they are permitted at all?

Regardless of speed restrictions etc. that may be placarded on the wheel.

Yellow_Festiva · 07-05-2013, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Things that puzzle me.

How roadworthy are space saver wheels? I'm sure if you have a space saver fitted on the car when having a RWC inspection done, it would be knocked back as unroadworthy.

And surely the braking performance and stability of a car is affected when a spacesaver is fitted.

So how come they are permitted at all?

Regardless of speed restrictions etc. that may be placarded on the wheel.

A very good question actually. I guess there must be some discretion for these 'temporary measures'......

I guess this is the main reason they are just used to get you out of trouble, and nothing more.

Franco Cozzo · 07-05-2013, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svo supporter

The general public always want more boot space, especially with smaller cars.....So manufacturers fit space saver spares to satisfy the customer.....Now, all you hear is whinging and whining from the general public (especially at a tyre shop) complaining about the stupid space saver spare.

So what should the manufacturers put up with....Whinging about the space saver, or the lack of boot space, because they made room for a full sized spare?

Larger cars.....The space saver is put in, to reduce on-sell costs.....Just in case people don't read, Aussie built cars are flat out competing with imports....So this is one way Aussie manufacturers try and make them more affordable.....

Finally, think yourselves lucky.....Alot of European cars don't even have a spare.....They're supplied with a can of crap and an air pump.....I'm talking about Mercs, BMW's and alikes....So not just you normal every day taxi pack cars....

If I need more boot space I put down the rear seats in my Focus and I now have a mini-wagon.

Hell, it fits in a toolbox with around $2000 worth of tools inside it and any extra crap I have floating around in the car, like a set of EL Falcon thermofans, and my school bag just in the boot.

I find the boot in a hatch is much more practical than in a sedan, its actually easier to load/unload big items.

svo supporter · 08-05-2013, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

If I need more boot space I put down the rear seats in my Focus and I now have a mini-wagon.

Hell, it fits in a toolbox with around $2000 worth of tools inside it and any extra crap I have floating around in the car, like a set of EL Falcon thermofans, and my school bag just in the boot.

I find the boot in a hatch is much more practical than in a sedan, its actually easier to load/unload big items.

So why are you complaining about the space saver then?

Put simply, a space saver is slimmer, therefore allowing more room that what could be obtained than having a normal sized tyre in the boot....So using your example, if you had a normal sized wheel sitting in the boot, it'd be more difficult loading those larger items, as it'd be sticking up in the air....

Franco Cozzo · 08-05-2013, 05:21 PM

It would still fit in fine with an elevated floor because of a full sized spare.

I'm going to have a full sized one in there soon in the boot.

svo supporter · 08-05-2013, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Things that puzzle me.

How roadworthy are space saver wheels? I'm sure if you have a space saver fitted on the car when having a RWC inspection done, it would be knocked back as unroadworthy.

And surely the braking performance and stability of a car is affected when a spacesaver is fitted.

So how come they are permitted at all?

Regardless of speed restrictions etc. that may be placarded on the wheel.

Having one fitted for an inspection, you wouldn't be allowed to have the car passed, as it's only to be fitted to get you to the nearest tyre company for repaires to your normal tyres that are to be fitted .

Pulled over by the law.....If you can prove (which is bloody easy) that it's fitted due to a puncture, they use their descretion when it comes to issuing an unroadworthy notice. Personally I have never heard of someone being defected for having one fitted, because they have a puncture in one of their normal road wheels....

Why are they permitted....I'm sure (but can't prove) there would be some legislation about having them as a spare. Otherwise car manufacturers wouldn't have them in their cars

Yes, a car handles differently with one fitted.....This is one of the reasons there is a big sticker on the rim, restricting the speed limit of the car, when it is fitted....Forwarn people and covers car manufacturers asses, if there is an idiot that wishes to sue them for it causing an accident. I'm also fairly confident there is something in the owners manual about it too....So another *** covering thing for the manufacturer of cars, fitted with space saver spares...

svo supporter · 08-05-2013, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

It would still fit in fine with an elevated floor because of a full sized spare.

I'm going to have a full sized one in there soon in the boot.

So you're only focusing on that one reason for a space saver spare being fitted.....You've obviously missed the other reasons given for it, so we'll leave it there....

Marquis · 08-05-2013, 05:54 PM

Info for yus. There is a 49 litre reduction in cargo space with a full size spare in a Focus Sedan.

2011G6E · 08-05-2013, 06:01 PM

I couldn't get why you would want a space saver in, say, an FG...in our G6E it had the full sized 19" alloy wheel spare, and there was plenty of room in the wheel depression in the boot floor. I suppose the space saver one might have a different mat and moulding to go over it so the boot floor would go down into the hollow where the skinnier wheel is, but when they make a car with a space to fit a real wheel and tyre, why put a skinny little one in?

Neale · 08-05-2013, 06:30 PM

Lucky you didn't buy an RS Focus Damo, they don't event come with a spare of any sort. I don't know how they got away with that as I thought it was part of the ADR that cars needed a spare

Crazyxa · 08-05-2013, 09:23 PM

The space saver on my FG looks more like an XA wheel.
In my opinion the FG space saver tyre looks half decent and seem to have a proper tread pattern.
So makes me wonder why Ford recommends 80kph on these wheels.
I have come up with:
1. ESC. Rotational diameter inaccuracies caused by the introduced slightly smaller wheel meaning ABS and ESC will not work correctly.
2. FG's with a rear LSD could be damaged.

So I guess I am saying that if your space saver has a decent tyre on it and the rotational diameter is spot on compared to your other wheels there is no issue doing over 80km and travelling over 100km. The tyre should not on theory over heat. That said I have not checked the speed rating on the tyre sidewall on the FG space saver.

Crazy Dazz · 08-05-2013, 09:35 PM

Not worry, when I get to be President, they will be banned.
All new cars sold in Australia will be required to carry two full-sized spares, and be able to carry a 44 gallon drum in the boot.

Madaya · 08-05-2013, 10:20 PM

I thought I had a full sized, 245x40x18 spare fitted to my 2010 FG Ute. I met a guy who had a 50yr anniversary ute and his came fitted with a full sized mag wheel as standard.
I figured I could put the full sized spare into rotation by purchasing an extra Dunlop and shuffling tyres back to front etc.
Surprise. The spare is a 235x45x17 steel wheel. The advice in the manual still recommends a top speed of 80kph - get the flat sorted asap.
So what's the diff. I may as well have a SSS on the ute. I'll start lookin.

Oh, and anyone who wants a new 235x45x17 give me a yell, especially if you are here in the west. We can talk about price, will be cheap.
Cheers.

Before the comments come, I rarely carry a heavy load or travel big distances. No need for a full sized spare here, or a 44 gallon drum.

**Silver Ghia** · 08-05-2013, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madaya

I thought I had a full sized, 245x40x18 spare fitted to my 2010 FG Ute. I met a guy who had a 50yr anniversary ute and his came fitted with a full sized mag wheel as standard.

Full size alloy spares on FG's were an optional extra at $250. They were never standard unless the dealer threw it in as part of the deal.

naddis01 · 08-05-2013, 10:46 PM

I have just put a deposit on a new XR6 turbo. The dealer had optioned it with a full size spare but I am having it swapped out for a space saver. To me I will use the extra space all of the time (to fit a double pram) but the spare might get used once, if ever, while I own it. Surely the benfit of extra room every day outweighs the inconvenience for a day.

Franco Cozzo · 08-05-2013, 10:49 PM

My space saver is still sitting on the Focus on the rear at the moment, I drove it down to the local auto store to grab me a filter and washer for the Falcon, other than that I'm not driving it around to from/work next week until I get the wheels from Essendon Ford and change the tyres over.

**Silver Ghia** · 08-05-2013, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naddis01

I have just put a deposit on a new XR6 turbo. The dealer had optioned it with a full size spare but I am having it swapped out for a space saver. To me I will use the extra space all of the time (to fit a double pram) but the spare might get used once, if ever, while I own it. Surely the benfit of extra room every day outweighs the inconvenience for a day.

You do realise that if you damage a rim its going to cost you many more $$$ for a replacement.

Also the FG space saver tyre is not all that narrower than the full size, and is in the centre square hollow. Have you tried the pram in the boot?

TheInterceptor · 08-05-2013, 11:43 PM

Space savers? Pah, i carry two full sized spares, one alloy and one steel, and when needed i carry an extra 10 gallons with me...a bit short of the 44 gallons but adequate so far

Should get a flat soon, the roads ive been on (and will be back on soon), my tyres are all cut up and have small bits missing.

I wonder how many people have their spare tyre way underpressure or even as flat as the flat tyre cos they dont check it ever or even carry an air compressor in the car.