FAQ’s

Yes, smaller space saver wheels can be used on cars as temporary spare wheels in the event of a flat tyre. Space saver wheels do not necessarily have to have the same diameter as the alloy wheels fitted to the car. It’s partly to do with weight (less weight means less CO2 emissions), partly limited boot space and partly cost. Car manufacturers only make a small number of sizes to cater for all alloy wheel sizes fitted to different spec cars. The wheel offset may also be different from your alloy wheel offset, this is usually due to the narrow nature of the space saver and its ability to clear brake callipers. The spare tyre itself will carry sticker with information about maximum speed (50mp/h)– which you must stick to for safety reasons. This means unlike a standard spare, that skinny spares must be considered an emergency, get-you-home solution only. The original car tyre should be repaired/replaced as soon as possible.

Space saver wheels are designed to be a temporary solution for a flat tire or other emergency situations, and they are not meant to be used for extended periods of time or for long distances. Manufacturers generally do not add distance limitations for using space saver wheels, but they do advise drivers to replace the space saver wheel with a proper full-size wheel as soon as possible. It is always recommended to use a space saver wheel only for a short distance and at a low speed until a full-size wheel can be installed. This will help to prevent damage to the car’s suspension, transmission, and other components, and ensure that the car is safe to drive.

It is safe to use a 16″ space saver wheel on a car that has 18″ alloy wheels as long as the space saver is used temporarily and within the recommended speed limit. The maximum speed limit for a space saver wheel is usually indicated on the sidewall of the tire and is typically around 50 mph.

It’s important to keep in mind that the smaller diameter of the space saver wheel can affect the car’s handling and stability, particularly during high-speed maneuvers, so it’s best to drive cautiously and avoid sudden maneuvers while the space saver is in use.

Also, it’s recommended to replace the space saver wheel with a full-size wheel as soon as possible after use to ensure optimal performance and safety of the vehicle.

Space-saver wheels are designed for temporary use, to get you to a place of repair. There’s no maximum distance but the speed restriction, limited tread (only 3mm from new) and softer rubber compound means that the distance covered before repair shouldn’t be excessive.

• Space saver wheels do not necessarily have to have the same diameter as the alloy wheels fitted to the car. It’s partly to do with weight (less weight means less CO2 emissions), partly limited boot space and partly cost. Car manufacturers only make a small number of sizes to cater for all alloy wheel sizes fitted to different spec cars. The wheels offset may also be different from your alloy wheel offset, this is usually due to the narrow nature of the space saver and its ability to clear brake callipers. The spare tyre itself will carry a sticker with information about maximum speed (50mp/h)– which you must stick to for safety reasons. This means unlike a standard spare, that skinny spares must be considered an emergency, get-you-home solution only. The original car tyre should be repaired / replaced as soon as possible.
• Maximum speed is usually restricted to 50mph for safety reasons.
• Use of the temporary spare may be restricted to ‘front only’ or ‘back only’ for safety reasons
  • to avoid interference with braking components, or to avoid transmission damage
  • If space saver diameter/circumference it’s much smaller than an ‘original’ wheel, for safety reasons to avoid interference with braking components they have only to be fitted to the rear of the car(rear brakes are smaller). Never fit more than one space saver to a vehicle.
  • Changing your wheel to a space saver when restricted to rear only:
    • As cars only come with one jack, if you don’t have an axle stand or other way to jack up both the front and back of your car at the same time your process for changing a flat front tyre will be:
    • Put the handbrake on and preferably chock one of the wheels on the other side of the car to stop it moving. Jack up the rear of the car and take the good tyre off and replace it with the space saver. If you don’t put the handbrake on the wheel will turn while you are trying to undo the lug nuts. Lower the car then jack up the front. You might have to move the chock on the other side of the car. Take the flat front tyre off and replace it with the rear tyre. Tighten up the lug nuts and, again, take care not to over-tighten them.
• Handling will be different with a skinny spare fitted and you’ll need to allow for this when driving.
• Aim to get the original car tyre repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Remember, working on any vehicle is potentially dangerous if the correct procedures are not followed, so for your safety make sure that you fully familiarise yourself with the products. The instructions included with these products have specific detailed information on how to use them and the full safety procedures to be observed. If you are in any way unsure, then seek advice from a qualified mechanic.

Lifting the car…
Before lifting any vehicle make sure it is parked on a solid, even and level surface. The vehicle should be placed in gear (or park if automatic) with the handbrake on. The two wheels that remain on the ground should be securely chocked on both sides to prevent movement.
WARNINGS: Never get underneath a vehicle or put any part of your body under the car that is supported only by a jack. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be seriously injured. Do not attempt to change a tyre on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack or changing the wheel.

Terms of use

Before fitting check:

• Wheels are the correct stud fitting for the vehicle, check the wheel on the vehicle to ensure it clears brake callipers and suspension parts and rotates freely on front and rear hubs.

The purpose of this spare tire kit is SOLELY to get you out of a bad area (traffic, security) and NOT for any prolonged driving. It is highly recommended that you strap it down while in your trunk. By purchasing this spare tire kit, you acknowledge this statement.

We offer a UK and Republic of Ireland  shipping service for our customers, meaning that we can get your new spare wheel or space saver wheel delivered to your doorstep in few days.

We accept payment through credit and debit cards, as well as PayPal. This allows you to pay for your tyres in whichever method is most suitable for you. We ensure that all card details are secure and safe, and also offer payment through PayPal as added security.

You can find detailed information about our Returns Policy here.

If you’re towing caravan or trailer and get a puncture it is important to take extra caution on the road and drive at a reduced speed. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended speed limit for the space saver wheel, which is typically around 50 miles per hour, and distribute the weight of the caravan as evenly as possible to reduce the strain on the space saver wheel and other components of the car’s suspension and drivetrain. It is also recommended to check the tyre pressure of the space saver wheel and the other tyres regularly to ensure they are properly inflated.

Check the handbook though as there might be vehicle-specific advice and limitations.

Space saver wheels are typically smaller in diameter than standard wheels, they can cause the car to sit slightly lower to the ground, which can impact the way the car handles in corners. However, it’s important to note that using a space saver wheel should not cause the car to be significantly tilted to one side. Modern cars typically have suspension systems that are designed to compensate for differences in wheel size, helping to ensure that the car remains level and stable.

Space saver wheels can have an effect on a car’s cornering and braking performance.  The impact of a space saver wheel on cornering and braking performance will depend on the specific car and the conditions under which it is being driven. However, using the correct speed limit 50mph and 80kmh with the space saver wheel can still make it safe to use as a temporary spare.