Full Size Spare Wheel

[Sootchucker]

Out of interest, what are peoples views on full size spare wheels (alloy or otherwise).

As the MK7 has the split height boot floor, I was wondering if it would be possible to carry a full size spare rather than the space saver. In my old MK5 Golf, I purchased the polystyrene blocks that raised the boot floor and enabled me to carry a full size spare (a steelie with a 205x55xR16 Tyre). Would this be possible on the MK7 also ?

My MK5 below:

[monkeyhanger]

Can’t see why not, on the assumption that the rolling circumference should be the same as a regular wheel. The flat setting of the floor covering already makes it look like the boot of a MK5 R32. You might have to raise the floor covering further because the full sized wheel is probably thicker than the difference between standard dropped and standard raised boot floor.

You might have a little trouble securing the wheel to stop it rattling (if the weight of it alone doesn’t keep it in place) as the big plastic securing nut and bolt probably don’t have a thread long enough (if your wheel has a centre cap through which to put the securing bolt.

[AndyG]

Is it worth the effort?

[monkeyhanger]

Is it worth the effort?

Depends if you have a puncture far from home at a time that makes it highly unlikely you’ll get a replacement until you get home. Most of these space savers are only rated for 80-120 miles total life, which may not get you home.

My boss has an Astra and recently had to put the space saver on 150 miles from home when down in Sheffield from Newcastle and started the journey home at 8pm. It said 120 miles life on it. He’d used it before for about 20 miles. Sure enough, 110 miles into the journey it blew. Space savers are poor, they are for limping to the nearest place that’ll fit you a tyre, they save space in the boot, but more importantly they are cheap!

[Mark V GTD]

I used mine on the Scirroco recently - it had a 50mph limit but I dont recall reading any overall mileage limitation.....

[monkeyhanger]

I used mine on the Scirroco recently - it had a 50mph limit but I dont recall reading any overall mileage limitation.....

There's usually only about 2mm of tread depth on them.

[corgi]

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/safety/non-standard-spare-wheels.html

They almost always have some sort of recommendation as far as the maximum distance is concerned for the reason stated in the link.

Note, the maximum speed is not a recommendation but a legally enforceable limit as the car is required by law to have tyres of the same size and aspect ratio with the exception of these "temporary solutions" which should be clearly marked as such - they are normally a different colour and clearly marked with the speed restriction. If you exceed 50mph (80km/h) with it fitted the police would be within their rights to stop you and issue you with a ticket...

So if you want a full size spare, make sure it is the same size as the other wheels on your car.

Another point, most cars with different sized front and rear wheels (many rear wheel drive cars) are forced, by this regulation to have a "spacesaver" or no spare at all...

[GTI-7-Performance]

A "full-size" spare wheel is an option here, which I ordered. If the car ever turns up I'll post details here.

I've not had a puncture for over 35 years, but still like the idea of a real spare wheel...

[Gnasher]

Had someone in a zafira come past me on the motorway with a space saver on one of his rear wheels, the thing was actually smoking!!

[Exonian]

I've had two punctures lately after many years of none so a full size spare would be a really useful thing in my eyes.
I really wouldn't trust a space saver and at least if you have a full size spare you'll have enough room for the full size wheel off the car in the boot even if it's loaded as you'd have already had to accommodate the full size wheel when loading the vehicle. Who wants a dirty stinking road wheel with a shredded tyre on their back seat because the boot is too full of luggage?