Typically space saver tyres have a speed limit of 50 mph and provide less grip than regular tyres because they are narrower and have reduced tread, affecting the vehicle’s handling
Many Brit drivers are unaware of key rules regarding the use of their ‘space saver’ tyres — the smaller, lighter temporary spare wheels that can still be found in many cars.
These tyres are designed for emergency use only, enabling a driver to reach a garage or repair shop after suffering a puncture. Typically, space saver tyres have a speed limit of 50 mph and provide less grip than regular tyres because they are narrower and have reduced tread, affecting the vehicle’s handling and stability.
A critical yet often overlooked fact is that space saver tyres frequently come with specific restrictions about where on the vehicle they can be fitted. It comes after UK drivers were warned over ‘avoiding’ road instead of having to follow new rule.
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Depending on whether the car is front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, the space saver may only be safe for use on either the front or rear axle. Installing it on the wrong one can damage important components including the brakes and transmission.
Managing director of Select Car Leasing, Graham Conway, explains that many modern cars no longer carry space saver tyres, opting instead for tyre repair and inflation kits. However, if you do have a space saver, it’s crucial to understand how to use it correctly in emergencies.
He said: “Some space savers tyres come with specific rules about where they can be fitted and you might be restricted in using them at either the front or at the rear of the vehicle. Check the instructions carefully, consult a trusted mechanic, and understand what sort of space saver you’re carrying before you set off on a long summer road trip.”
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Graham also stressed that drivers should be confident in their ability to change a tyre before attempting to fit a space saver, warning against doing in hazardous circumstances. He advised: “Never change a tyre at the side of a motorway as it’s just too dangerous. Contact a breakdown service instead.”
Using a space saver in the wrong way is not illegal, but can attract police attention. A July 20 post on the Idiot UK Drivers Exposed Facebook page read: “The Civic was stopped by RPU due to the space saver on a driven axle. Checks reveal the drivers entitlement to drive in the UK ran out two years ago. The Vehicle was seized & the Driver was reported to court.”
So while space saver tyres still serve as an important emergency measure, they must be used properly, including observing any stated reduced speed limits and fitting the tyre safely on the correct axle according to vehicle’s drive type.
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