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does anybody know about towing with space saver wheels is it legal. if so what speed can i travel at and what weight can i tow.

thanks in advance nemo

Are you planning a puncture then Nemo?? I wouldn't think it wise to tow far with the rubbish. Obviously if you're towing at the time of a puncture then you have no choice but to tow on with it on the car but I'd only tow to a tyre company. To be honest if I had to I'd set up & sleep on their forecourt until they open or call them out on a sunday before towing long distance with a Space saver on. I would think the weight of the van would overload them & possibly invite a second blowout. When I bought my last car the salesman nearly had a cancellation on his hands because of the spare, I think they're an insult.

Sorry to avoid your question, I don't know the legal side of it but that my advice & how I feel about them. I'd suggest making a note of the central number for  the tyre company of your choice & then you'll always be armed with it if you need it.

BB  

Hello everyone,

I work for a tyre manufacturing company, so I think I can help with this debate.

The issue here is definitely safety not legality. Basically a tyre is designed to carry a maximum load up to a maximum speed. The correct speed and load are indicated on the sidewall of the tyre after the size marking, so it will read something like :

195/65R15 96V

The number 96 is the load index, and the letter V is the speed rating.

You can look up all of the speed ratings and load indices applied to tyres at:

http://www.tyres-online.co.uk/tech.asp

You should never exceed the maximum load or speed for any tyre under any circumstance.

Space saver spare tyres are designed for use in an emergency, to get you home following a puncture. They are smaller than a standard tyre, but can carry the same load because their structure is reinforced and they run at higher pressure. But there are usually speed and distance restrictions set by the tyre manufacturer.

But that said, space saver spares are to get you home only, and absolutely not for sustained usage.

In terms of tyre stress caravans are a special case, any tyre manufacturer will tell you that. Most get scared at the mere mention of their tyres being fitted on a caravan, some try to avoid supplying them at all for caravan fitment! The loads carried are usual high compared to other applications, and very often specially reinforced tyres are fitted.

So basically, space saver spares are emphatically NOT suitable for use on a caravan. For correct tyre choice always follow your manufacturer’s instructions. Maintain tyre pressures religiously and inspect your tyres for damage and wear regularly. If you have any doubt consult your tyre dealer, don’t take risks.

I hope this helps you.

Best regards,

Gary

Following on from Gary's informative post, I can add that the spare on my car is only recommended for 35 miles at 50mph or 50 miles at 35mph whichever!. It is only supposed to get you to a tyre dealer in order for you to have your main tyre repaired/replaced.

I don't think your supposed to pass go or collect your £200.

Following on from Gary's informative post, I can add that the spare on my car is only recommended for 35 miles at 50mph or 50 miles at 35mph whichever!. It is only supposed to get you to a tyre dealer in order for you to have your main tyre repaired/replaced

agree 100%,but i dont think this applies to having a caravan on the back.having a small tyre on one corner could make the towing unstable in my eyes.

Hello again,

The same rule applies for the car. No tyre manufacturer or dealer would recommend fitting one to a vehicle towing a caravan.

Best regards,

Gary

Thanks for all the info.

this is all because I bought a mondeo

tanks againe

Hi,

I will go a check what is under the floor of my boot!!

regards

Mr Ulti-Mate