Provision of spare wheels

[bluenorw]

If, like me, you are incensed by the failure of many car manufacturers to provide a full sized spare wheel, or even in some cases, the dreaded space saver, perhaps you would be kind enough to sign my e-petition at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/44340

After being able to purchase a full size spare an an optional extra in the previous three Ford Focus estates I've had, I now find this is no longer an option, as the wheel well is only deep enough for a space saver.

I find it infuriating that such an essential safety item is no longer provided as standard. Anyone who undertakes long journeys would find it really inconvenient to suffer a puncture outside of the opening hours of tyre depots, given that spacesavers have a speed limit of 50mph and, so I've been told, are limited to journeys of no more than 50 miles in some cases. I dread to think what the restrictions are with cars with no spare and just an inflation kit of goo; I'd not buy a car with this arrangement.

The other bugbear with spacesavers is the cost and environmental impact of a device that will rarely be used. When cars had full size spares with normal speed ratings, one could rotate the wheels and actually get some wear out of the fifth tyre.

[TheHeretic]

Erm... No. Nowt wrong with a space saver. The point being that you don't need to carry a full size spare. The space saver will get you to a garage to get your tyre replaced, or repaired. Why does there need to be legislation on this?

[PH lurker]

I disagree with the OP; I believe that it should be left up to manufacturer to decide, however in most cases I believe a full size spare wheel is a good thing - but not always. One example is specialist low weight cars.

[bluenorw]

Probably OK for anyone who doesn't travel long distances, but having had a puncture many miles from home outside of tyre depot opening hours, I find it incredible in this day and age that something as fundamental as a full size spare is not available as an optional extra on many cars. If a car buyer is happy with a spacesaver, fine, but it wouldn't take much effort for the option of a full size spare to be available for all cars.

[TheHeretic]

bluenorw said:

Probably OK for anyone who doesn't travel long distances, but having had a puncture many miles from home outside of tyre depot opening hours, I find it incredible in this day and age that something as fundamental as a full size spare is not available as an optional extra on many cars. If a car buyer is happy with a spacesaver, fine, but it wouldn't take much effort for the option of a full size spare to be available for all cars.

I travel long distances. The number of punctures I've had can be counted on one hand, for my whole driving life. You are trying to legislate an option. Silly.

[redtwin]

TheHeretic said:

Erm... No. Nowt wrong with a space saver. The point being that you don't need to carry a full size spare. The space saver will get you to a garage to get your tyre replaced, or repaired. Why does there need to be legislation on this?

Assuming there is a garage open within a 50 mile radius capable of repairing or replacing that tyre.

Agree with you on there being no need for legislation. If a car manufacturer doesn't offer what you want, buy from another...seems simple enough.

[Major Fallout]

I like space savers, it gives me more space without too much of a compromise. Especially when most cars have a staggered setup.

Its runflats I hate.

[daemon]

bluenorw said:

Probably OK for anyone who doesn't travel long distances, but having had a puncture many miles from home outside of tyre depot opening hours, I find it incredible in this day and age that something as fundamental as a full size spare is not available as an optional extra on many cars. If a car buyer is happy with a spacesaver, fine, but it wouldn't take much effort for the option of a full size spare to be available for all cars.

Giving the option of a full size spare means allocating the space in the first place, which defeats the purpose.

I've no issues with a space saver. I'd have no particular issue driving more than 50 miles on one if i had to as i suspect its to discourage people driving on them for days.

Also many cars are coming with run flats now.

For a few pounds you can get breakdown cover who will come out if you're stuck.

If its a concern for you personally, wrap a full size rim and tyre up and keep it in the boot - enforcing full size spares is a step backwards.

[Deva Link]

bluenorw said:

I dread to think what the restrictions are with cars with no spare and just an inflation kit of goo;

If the goo doesn't repair the tyre you're stuffed. And even if it does, once you've used the goo the tyre can't be repaired.

[quiraing]

daemon said:

bluenorw said:

Probably OK for anyone who doesn't travel long distances, but having had a puncture many miles from home outside of tyre depot opening hours, I find it incredible in this day and age that something as fundamental as a full size spare is not available as an optional extra on many cars. If a car buyer is happy with a spacesaver, fine, but it wouldn't take much effort for the option of a full size spare to be available for all cars.

Giving the option of a full size spare means allocating the space in the first place, which defeats the purpose.

I've no issues with a space saver. I'd have no particular issue driving more than 50 miles on one if i had to as i suspect its to discourage people driving on them for days.

Also many cars are coming with run flats now.

For a few pounds you can get breakdown cover who will come out if you're stuck.

If its a concern for you personally, wrap a full size rim and tyre up and keep it in the boot - enforcing full size spares is a step backwards.

Errm, call out breakdown cover if you have a flat tyre????

Why not have 5 decent tyres, one will be a full-sized spare which complies with the available performance of the car. Sorted. None of this glue and run-flat nonsense. Yes, I am a dinosaur

Edited by quiraing on Tuesday 22 January 19:00

[NelsonR32]

The "can't repair a tyre if glue is used" story is such an old wives tale.

I've been driving 10 years and have never once had a puncture and I never understand why people feel the need to have one when they will probably never use it; I dont slip a condom on every time I leave the house 'just in case' for gods sake.

[bluenorw]

daemon said:

Giving the option of a full size spare means allocating the space in the first place, which defeats the purpose.

I've no issues with a space saver. I'd have no particular issue driving more than 50 miles on one if i had to as i suspect its to discourage people driving on them for days.

Also many cars are coming with run flats now.

For a few pounds you can get breakdown cover who will come out if you're stuck.

If its a concern for you personally, wrap a full size rim and tyre up and keep it in the boot - enforcing full size spares is a step backwards.

Odd that the simple concept of a full size, fully speed rated spare, in suitable storage seems to be beyond the wit of some manufacturers. For years, all a puncture meant was 10 minutes delay changing a wheel and then a resumption of the journey with no speed or distance limitations.

A full size spare lodged in the boot isn't a practical option with a boot full of work equipment.

[Willy Nilly]

quiraing said:

Errm, call out breakdown cover if you have a flat tyre????

I can change all 4 wheels on my tractor in 90 minutes. The back wheels are on 46 inch rims and need a forklift to stand them up. How long will it take the RAC to come out and fix a puncture on my car?

Full sized spare, jack and wheel brace please.

[TheHeretic]

Willy Nilly said:

I can change all 4 wheels on my tractor in 90 minutes. The back wheels are on 46 inch rims and need a forklift to stand them up. How long will it take the RAC to come out and fix a puncture on my car?

Full sized spare, jack and wheel brace please.

What on earth do tractors have to do with it?

[daemon]

quiraing said:

daemon said:

bluenorw said:

Probably OK for anyone who doesn't travel long distances, but having had a puncture many miles from home outside of tyre depot opening hours, I find it incredible in this day and age that something as fundamental as a full size spare is not available as an optional extra on many cars. If a car buyer is happy with a spacesaver, fine, but it wouldn't take much effort for the option of a full size spare to be available for all cars.

Giving the option of a full size spare means allocating the space in the first place, which defeats the purpose.

I've no issues with a space saver. I'd have no particular issue driving more than 50 miles on one if i had to as i suspect its to discourage people driving on them for days.

Also many cars are coming with run flats now.

For a few pounds you can get breakdown cover who will come out if you're stuck.

If its a concern for you personally, wrap a full size rim and tyre up and keep it in the boot - enforcing full size spares is a step backwards.

Errm, call out breakdown cover if you have a flat tyre????

Stuck as in flat tyre and maybe a flat spare, no locking wheel nut, wheel seized on, no wheel brace, no jack, broken jack, broken wheel brace, etc, etc.

Didnt really think i needed to elaborate, but there you go.

[bluenorw]

NelsonR32 said:

I've been driving 10 years and have never once had a puncture and I never understand why people feel the need to have one when they will probably never use it; I dont slip a condom on every time I leave the house 'just in case' for gods sake.

I've been driving 40 years, with at least 25000 miles per annum for most of that and have had more punctures than I care to remember. Depends on the environment perhaps; lots of nails on construction sites.

[Noesph]

NelsonR32 said:

The "can't repair a tyre if glue is used" story is such an old wives tale.

I've been driving 10 years and have never once had a puncture and I never understand why people feel the need to have one when they will probably never use it; I dont slip a condom on every time I leave the house 'just in case' for gods sake.

I've had 3 in 5 years. Lucky my car is old and has a full sized spare. (I remember my dads old 406 had a full sized alloy wheel the same as the rest of them spare). The laguna 3 (I don't know about the rest of the renault range) still has a full sized spare wheel, if you want a modern car with a proper spare.

[NelsonR32]

Approx 260,000 miles for me.

[Westy Pre-Lit]

Space savers are a stupid idea, done to save manufacturing costs under the guise of saving space.

When or if you have to use one, where exactly are you supposed to put the punctured one if you have a full boot and passengers ?

[Willy Nilly]

TheHeretic said:

What on earth do tractors have to do with it?

The point being that the recovery services will take at least an hour to appear, then you've got to get recovered somewhere. To change a piddly little car wheel takes a couple of minutes. I was just trying to put into perspective the time involved and the amount of very large wheels that could be changed in that time. May be I should have said it would be possible to change most of the wheels on an artic before the rac arrived.