As some may know I recently changed my rims/tyres. Now, previously I was running the stock rims & tyre size (MY02) and, as a spare, I had the wonderful space saver wheel provided by subaru. Now from memory, if I had to use it, speeds of above 80kph & a distance of no greater than 50km is recommended.

Now obviously, if I needed to drive to work (near Norseman) this space saver wheel isnt really appropriate to be bothering with as a spare.
If I chucked one of my old rims/tyres in the boot, would it be ok to use as a spare for the longer distance if it became necessary? or am I going to cause other problems?
Current tyres - 215/40/18
Old tyres - 215/45/17

18*40 = 24.8"
17*45 = 24.6"
Not a lot of difference in outside diameter, but I would limit how far I drove it, especially if your old 17`s are worn as this will make the difference worse

If you put a spare in the back, it cant be directional either.

Just a thought, as Ive used this twice before with great success... use the S/S for short trips, (around town), and if you get unlucky in the middle of no-where, use a can of Holts Tyre Weld. This stuff is AWESOME for getting you out a jamb.

A few months ago, I had a steel offcut tear through the 'middle' of the tyre, (smack bang through the middle of the contact patch...), I removed it, but didnt hold much hope that this stuff would work. Thought I'll try it anyway, before resorting to S/S if need be. Removed the steel piece (2in x 1/4in ish), follow instructions on can and low and behold, it was great. Left some residue gunk I had to wash off afterwards, but came off no dramas. And got me home and around for a couple of days, before I could get the tyre replaced. (Soooo acid, it had less than 3k k's on it).

Brent.


I actually think some beemers and cars like the mx-5 come with a product similiar to this as well....?

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I was of the understanding that if the diameters of the wheel/tyres on either side of the car dont match, it will root the diff. If the fronts are both the same and the rears are both the same, but are different diameters from front to back (i.e. say both fronts 215/40/18, both rears 215/45/17) it roots the centre diff.

I really dont fancy using my S/S as I no longer have the stock 16"s so it doesnt match the current diameter of my wheels.

I am currently on the lookout for a spare 17" to use for a full-size spare.
As Brent has mentioned products like Holts Tyre Weld can work for a short-term quick fix.

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Get a multi directional tyre for your spare.

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yeah its worn, but Id only be using it to get myself somewhere that I could get my good one fixed. But still could be a fair distance.

But yeah, will have a look around for a better option.
Thanks guys

a what? (yep I have no idea)
Oh well, Ill have to visit google

what difference will a directional make??? i thought it was only the tread pattern

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You can put a directional tyre on the wrong side so it is rotating the wrong way if you have to, but it will chew the tread to shit pretty quickly.

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