Spare wheel tyre indents from cage (plus max. speed)
Discussion
Hi all
I had to use my spare wheel for the first time recently, and noticed the tyre side wall had indents from where the cage holds it in place beneath the car. Is this a problem, and if so any tips on how to prevent it? I'll get a photo and add it asap.
Also, the wheel has a sticker on it saying "max speed 75mph". It's full size and the same spec as the other tyres, but is a different brand. Just curious as to why there'd be a max speed for it?
Many thanks
I had to use my spare wheel for the first time recently, and noticed the tyre side wall had indents from where the cage holds it in place beneath the car. Is this a problem, and if so any tips on how to prevent it? I'll get a photo and add it asap.
Also, the wheel has a sticker on it saying "max speed 75mph". It's full size and the same spec as the other tyres, but is a different brand. Just curious as to why there'd be a max speed for it?
Many thanks
Yes, there are two possible emergency tyre types. One is a space saver with 50 mph and the other a full size with 75mph on a tyre that's in some ways inferior to your other four. Presumably it's cost saving for the manufacturer.
I doubt the speed limitation has anything to do with indents in the sidewall. There's no reason why that should weaken a tyre.
I doubt the speed limitation has anything to do with indents in the sidewall. There's no reason why that should weaken a tyre.
Clintpistol17 said:
It's full size and the same spec as the other tyres, but is a different brand.
How about the wheel itself? Is it a steelie as opposed to fancy alloys on the car? That would further emphasise the cost saving element as it's unlikely many people want to drive around for very long with an odd looking wheel. Panamax said:
Yes, there are two possible emergency tyre types. One is a space saver with 50 mph and the other a full size with 75mph on a tyre that's in some ways inferior to your other four. Presumably it's cost saving for the manufacturer.
I doubt the speed limitation has anything to do with indents in the sidewall. There's no reason why that should weaken a tyre.
The speed limit may be to allow for use with a direction tyre set up, rather than cost savings. It will then allow you to drive while you source a direct replacement for the punctured tyre.I doubt the speed limitation has anything to do with indents in the sidewall. There's no reason why that should weaken a tyre.
The indentations are another matter, they are not uncommon, but check you are not overtightening the cage.
Clintpistol17 said:
Many thanks for the reply.
And sorry for any confusion, they were two separate questions. I didn't think the dents would be related to the max. speed limit in any way.
I can confirm that it is a full size spare and the tyre exactly matches the others on the car.
Exactly? Including speed and load rating?And sorry for any confusion, they were two separate questions. I didn't think the dents would be related to the max. speed limit in any way.
I can confirm that it is a full size spare and the tyre exactly matches the others on the car.
Sorry @Panamax - I missed your second post as I was typing. It is a steel wheel, as are the others on the car. But it is a different design, not that I imagine that would make a difference and require a max. speed rating?
@Pica-Pica - ah, perhaps that's why the max. speed. It's no biggie, as I'd always look to get a replacement asap anyhow, and I rarely go that fast these days anyhow (the country roads won't allow it). I was still curious though. As for the indents, fair play, I'll make sure not to overtighten. And I'll add photos once I have them to see if the current indents are an issue. It's encouraging to hear it's common.
Many thanks to you both.
@Pica-Pica - ah, perhaps that's why the max. speed. It's no biggie, as I'd always look to get a replacement asap anyhow, and I rarely go that fast these days anyhow (the country roads won't allow it). I was still curious though. As for the indents, fair play, I'll make sure not to overtighten. And I'll add photos once I have them to see if the current indents are an issue. It's encouraging to hear it's common.
Many thanks to you both.
Are the tyres on the road wheels perhaps run flat & the spare not so?
I still can't see why it would make a difference, but if they are the same rating and size but a different brand from new, I can think of no other reason why unless the spare has been liberated from a different car & was classed as a space-saver in the car, hence the restriction.
What car is it?
What age is it?
What are the DOT codes on the original/spare tyres? (I am assuming the road wheel tyres are original obviously, but perhaps that is why they are a different brand)
ETA.
Definitely don't worry about the indents, they are just on the outer rubber.
I still can't see why it would make a difference, but if they are the same rating and size but a different brand from new, I can think of no other reason why unless the spare has been liberated from a different car & was classed as a space-saver in the car, hence the restriction.
What car is it?
What age is it?
What are the DOT codes on the original/spare tyres? (I am assuming the road wheel tyres are original obviously, but perhaps that is why they are a different brand)
ETA.
Definitely don't worry about the indents, they are just on the outer rubber.
Edited by E-bmw on Tuesday 13th January 08:36
Clintpistol17 said:
fooman said:
I'd probably be more concerned about the age of rubber than some storage marks
The car is 4 years old... At what age would I need to start worrying?Many thanks
My Son had a Renault Clio with such a setup, was about 5-6 years old when he bought it and the spare tyre (hanging underneath) had never been used but the day he needed it, it was perished to the point it wouldn't hold air.
We had a Ford Galaxy with the same setup, the spare was a full-size alloy with 'proper' tyre and because it got so dirty , I bought a cover to protect it but that filled up with water and, arguably made it even worse.
My old Land rover had the spare hanging on the rear door when I got it, not only did the weight of this compromise the door but the tyre was perished beyond use, despite having loads of tread.
In all of the above cases, a spare kept in the boot/cab would have been like new.
Externally mounted spare wheels - work of the devil IMO.
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