Space saver wheels serve as temporary solutions to your car’s regular tyres, providing adequate grip until full tyres can be fitted again. While typically smaller and thinner than their full counterparts, space saver wheels still should provide enough grip so as to get you safely to a location where full replacement tyres can be fitted.
Legally, there is no distance or speed limitation when driving on a space saver; however, we advise using it only for shorter journeys at reduced speeds.
1. Size
Space saver wheels typically measure an inch smaller in diameter than your car’s standard alloy wheels, creating an impactful difference that could impact handling, braking and cornering capabilities. Modern vehicles usually offer suspension systems that compensate for this variation between tire sizes.
As space saver tires have shorter tread depth and softer rubber compounds, they will wear down much faster than their traditional counterparts. While no legal limit has been set on how long a space saver should be used for, it is strongly suggested that its mileage be limited and replaced sooner rather than later.
Many newer cars do not come equipped with space savers; however, you can purchase one separately or have your local garage install one for you. Also be sure to consult your owner manual for instructions and recommendations for using a space saver properly.
2. Design
Space saver wheels are smaller and lighter than their full-sized counterparts, taking up less room in your trunk while simultaneously helping reduce weight for improved fuel economy and handling.
Due to their smaller diameter, space saver wheels may cause your vehicle to tilt slightly to one side; however, most modern cars feature suspension systems capable of compensating for this difference.
Space saver wheels can be an invaluable way to get your vehicle moving when there is an unexpected flat tyre or blowout. Quick and easy installation makes this option ideal, and its use should only be temporary as its tread pattern and depth differ from regular tires; limited to lower speeds and shorter distances for use.
3. Weight
Space saver wheels, as their name implies, are lighter and smaller than standard full-size spare wheels, enabling them to fit modern cars without taking up as much boot space and manufacturers producing and replacing traditional wheels are often less costly in producing or replacing these alternative options.
These wheels are intended as temporary solutions to help get you to a garage to repair a flat tire quickly, with maximum speed limits of 50mph. As such, their use should only be for short distances.
As such, these wheels typically offer reduced strength and grip compared to standard tyres; this may impact cornering and braking performance for your car; therefore, when using them you should take extra caution and be wary. Furthermore, they may differ slightly in specification than the alloy wheels installed to your vehicle.
4. Reminder to repair the flat tyre
Space saver wheels stand out from regular car wheels, so they serve as a helpful reminder that it may be time for your flat tyre repair. By taking timely action now, they could save you from driving on damaged spare tyres that require further costly repairs in the future.
When driving with a space saver, always observe speed limits, maintain safe following distances, check tyre pressure regularly and avoid overloading your vehicle – this will minimize stress on both its suspension and drivetrain components and on any potential wheel wear issues.
If you drive a front-wheel drive vehicle, try switching around its good front tyre with its good rear one to improve control and protect its differential from becoming damaged. This can also help avoid costly repairs to its differential.
5. Safety
Space saver wheels should only be used temporarily as temporary solutions and only in order to transport your car between locations, such as garages or tyre repair centres. Their smaller size and different construction can impair handling and braking performance and thus should be used with care.
Always inflate the space saver wheel at its appropriate pressure; this can be found either on its tyre itself or in your vehicle’s owner manual. Also keep in mind that driving on space saver wheels reduces cornering grip and extends braking distance due to less rubber being in contact with the road surface.
Space saver tyres have become an increasingly popular way of improving fuel efficiency, weight reduction, and freeing up boot space in modern vehicles. Unfortunately, not all drivers feel confident using one as a permanent replacement solution.
6. Speed
Space saver wheels (sometimes referred to as temporary spare wheels or skinny tyres) are designed to save space and weight in your boot, while being easier and cheaper to produce and replace than full-sized spares.
They’re not designed for high speeds and should only be used at slower speeds in wet conditions, while their tread depth will degrade more rapidly than regular car tyres.
Most space saver wheels have a maximum speed rating of 50mph; however, for your own safety and to prevent damaging to the wheels themselves it is wise to drive at lower speeds than this. They may also compromise braking performance so they should only be fitted at the rear of your car.
7. Price
Space saver wheels are compact wheels designed to take up less boot space than their full-sized counterparts, and are often employed by breakdown services in cases of punctures or blowouts. Their compact design means they fit easily in modern cars without taking away precious trunk space – and their lighter weight also makes them easier for handling and transporting.
However, these wheels should only ever be used temporarily and for journeys under 50mph. As they will have an adverse impact on your vehicle’s handling and cornering performance, long distance or high speed driving should never use these temporary wheels as this may damage them further; using adhesive kits may help repair minor punctures; however this takes time and money.
Conclusion
Choosing the right space saver wheel depends on your vehicle’s make, model, and wheel specifications—but no matter which one you get, it’s crucial to remember that these are temporary solutions, not permanent replacements. And most importantly, treat it as a reminder to repair or replace your damaged tyre as soon as possible—because a space saver is just that: a short-term backup, not a long-term fix.
