tbh i dont think it matters.

my 2.0 gen3.5 came with 17" stock alloys and the spare was a 16" space-saver

as long as the overal diameter is the same (or with a few cm) it should be ok. remember it's a space-saver so should only be used at slow speeds for short distances so I wouldn't expect great handling/grip with it, so if it's a little off (but gets you out of a pickle) then can't see a problem.

The overal diameter of the new wheels should be v v similar to the old so the speedo is legal, so it should still be a similar size to the original space-saver.

tbh my car's still got the 16" space-saver and 18" alloys on it - but still are all roughtly the same overal diameter (225/40/18's)

(trying to find the law regarding spare wheels on google atm, but can't find anything relating specifically to space-savers atm - will post if i do)

from AA webby:


Tyres on the same axle must be of the same nominal size and aspect ratio – you'll fail the MOT test if they're not.

The law makes an exception for temporary use spares (non-standard spare / skinny spare) which are being supplied as original equipment more often these days. Generally these will be smaller than the standard size car tyres.

The handbook and spare tyre itself will carry clear information about the operating restrictions – maximum speed and distance – which you must stick to for safety reasons. This means unlike a standard spare, that skinny spares must be considered an emergency, get-you-home solution only. The original car tyre should be repaired / replaced as soon as possible.


the law is pretty vauge, all i can see is:

You are not, by law, required to carry a spare. Nor does it have to satisfy all the tyre condition rules if you do have one – but if it is used, it must then pass all the laws relating to the other tyres such as tread depth (1.6mm), condition and use. This includes suitability of construction, load and speed ratings as well as pressures suitable for the total vehicle weight.

so, bottom-line.. IF it's the space-saver that came with the car then it's obviously suitable for the car's weight etc. So, as long as it's roughly the right size with legal tread and you're not travelling fast or far, then should be ok.

I have 225/40/17's on the car and still have the old 205/50/15 spare.

I look on it in the same way as the 'skinny spare' on my last car, 50mph and get the mains fixed quick!

The difference in diameter is about the depth of new tread and will be quite happily taken up by the suspension

Don't worry about the tracking, that's a chassis issue.

Not sure about price for fitting, how much do you love your wheels? lol

I need 2 tyres replacing soon and the plan is to get the tyres and take them to an alloy restoration place near me for them to fit, I really don't trust most of the major brand tyre places.

Rgds
Flakey
PS Why does this site insist that I can't spell 'tyre' ??????

fflakey, Your delving deep into the unknown here aint you, this thread was 2 years old

'kin hell, I've been away too long!