Ollie MK5 Turbo

As topic title who keeps a spare wheel in their car?

I do, I’m using the same as the other four wheels on the car a 16” alloy.

If I get a flat and breakdown I know it will be useful as I can just swap the wheel and I’m away.

I use the escort for track days, 1/4mile and the normal show now and then. I don’t use it for driving to work and it spends the rest of its time tucked away.

Next week I’m getting my car corner weight by xsport racing. So I’m thinking about getting the weight of the car down.

Options I see are:

• Space saver wheel from a focus or mondeo. This has got to be lighter than my current alloy spare wheel.
• Or the cans of tyre foam you can buy that all the new cars come with. But are these any good?

What do you lot keep in the back of your car?

Willis1989

I keep a spare wheel just due to the fact that if I break down without a spare the RAC will charge me £100

Danwood79

I used to have a can of gunk in my boot for 6 years now and luckly never needed it but I think they have a use by date, I have now got a spare alloy in the boot.
I think it's all down to luck as I have never had a puncture on any of my own cars.

Ollie MK5 Turbo

Wow is that true? I’m with the RAC and didn’t know that.

zetec-Sam

iTrader: (2)

But is it? My space saver is fucking heavy, and tbh not alot different to my alloys!

Neil@FastFord

If using the Mk1 or Turbo on road, i don't have a spare. I just risk it for a biscuit. I check pressures before i leave and that's all.

Focus has a spare as that is the first choice mile muncher.

If i was you Ollie, go down, take the wheel out while they do it and put it back in after. Just remove for track or quarter. You wouldn't really notice anything on road with it in and you'd have peace of mind. For the sake of a few Kgs, it would be worth it.

Sonic Boom

iTrader: (11)

I carry the original spare in the boot of my 3 Door but it's pretty pointless as all the hubs have grp A studs fitted so I don't think they would fit very well plus if I get a punture on the front the 15" wouldn't go over the 355mm brakes!
Actually it seems really pointless really!
Rich

Ollie MK5 Turbo

My runabout focus has one but I haven’t taken it out so don’t know how heavy it is.

Think I will take Neil’s advice and just take it out for the suspension setup and when I do track days and 1/4 mile.

Rich I think you need to upgrade your spare lol

Willis1989

As far as I know, if they have to come to you because you got a puncture and you have no spare then they charge you around £100.

mr_joe0606

iTrader: (1)

Do u need one for MOT?

lead_foot

iTrader: (1)

No

charlie luciano

iTrader: (3)

always have bought 5 alloys when getting a new set, Have the exact same alloy/tyre in the boot that is on all four corners of the car

only thing is though the tyres are directional so i need to get a puncture on the near side


Luciano

Lambchop

iTrader: (1)

I never sued to carry a spare and think i've had one puncture in 13.5 years. My FRS had a pump and can of spray stuff as thats what they come with standard. I assume my evo will have one of those sexy space savers but i've never looked

Ginge !

i dont carry a spare as i cant fit a 17ins in the boot floor for some reason,,,,so i just carry my bank card on me and take the hit if ever i need to

as for tyre foam,,,,,,STUPID IDEA as that kills the tyre so you will need to buy a new tyre anyway....... AA if they charge 100 quid to recover you its still gonna cost you that for a tyre and fitted anyway

OH and kwickfit mobile fitting number is another idea too

THOUGH carrying one in the boot for a track day is fuck all,,,,,, just take them all out like you would tools ect ect ect before you go on track as i wouldnt even use my road tyres for track use and hope they will be fine for the drive home just incase they aint

oh and if you usually have a passenger in the car on track days get the ballast for your average mate in that side too

JK12

iTrader: (1)

My ST3 has no spare, been looking at getting a space saver just incase, what do others do?

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

My ST has a skinny space saver as an option, otherwise it was just a can of foam and a compressor. Which is no use if you gash the tyre!

JK12

iTrader: (1)

cool, does the space save go under the car or in boot then mate?

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Yes it goes in the boot under the carpet, and there's a foam surround so the carpet sits level. I've got a picture at home of the setup, will stick it on later.

Gazzonator

iTrader: (9)

I know for a fact the AA don't charge for not having a spare!

A lot of cars now don't come with spares, just the goop in a bottle and a little compressor thingy in the boot which is fine if you have a tiny little nail or something in the tyre but if you end up with sidewall damage or a big object in it you've had it!

I'd rather have a spare everytime!

tabetha

Too right imo, a "broken down" car with a flat tyre is a hazzard, I carry a spare, don't know why I can't get punctures, my ultraseal has sealed a 8mm hole made by a transmission bolt(not my bolt I might add), for over 5000 miles after sealing as it is a permanent fix.
Spares are being introduced as part of the mot next year as well.
tabetha

massivewangers

iTrader: (1)

I just carry a spare. For a road car, I'd keep it in just for convenience, it isn't going to make that much difference on the road at the end of the day.

fraser9764

iTrader: (3)

so your driving about every day in a car with a tyre held together with a bit of sealant?
what happens if the sealant blows out at 80 on the motorway?
thats simply dangerous if you ask me, these sealants are an emergency repair to get you home or to the nearest tyre fitters,
you're a clever bloke but sometimes you come out with some stupid comments and have some stange ideas on whats safe or not.

RS Grant

iTrader: (1)

Neil@FF lvs soggy biscuit


Cheers,
Grant

Tango Ford

Escort Cos came with spacesaver ,i bought a full size at Ford Fair as i do not want a drama whilst 1000s miles driving it on holiday

Lambchop

iTrader: (1)

You've played this game before, bang on 25

STAFFY OWNER

I'm actually driving on my spare at the moment since i hit the edge of a petrol pump kerb a few weeks back. Was trying to get as close to the pump as possible so the hose would reach the other side of my car and got a bit too close. As a general rule i like to have a spare just for peace of mind.

Steve the Plumber

iTrader: (11)

No spare, just a can of foam.

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Here you go, if you need any better pictures let me know!

DanW@FastFord

iTrader: (1)

"neil tongues horses"

FordsR4Chavs

My 1series coupe didnt come with a spare as it has Goodyear NCT 5 RFT's so technically doesnt need one but bought a spacesaver anyway.Probably just old school and just dont like the idea of no spare..

zetec-Sam

iTrader: (2)

"chop chop floppy cock"

left hooker

bar the hub issue you can if you get a punture on the front put the 15" on the rear and then put the rear tyre on the front simple's

JK12

iTrader: (1)

Ah good man! Cheers for that! Going to look out for that now! Do lots of M miles so worth getting!

COCHYN

I'd have a spare if I could fit one, but there's fuel tank in the way

fraser9764

iTrader: (3)

that foam spare wheel surround is a really good idea, gives you loads of extra cubby holes to fill with crap
and im guessing you bought your oil from halfords when they were giving away screwdrivers with every 5L?

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Yup, got 3 sets in the shed

Keep it in there as I've got a tiny front number plate on it, so if I get pulled then I can change it over there and then!! Plus driving a shitty ford, never know wher a few tools might come in handy

Rcjm88

I don't carry a spare, If I was to get a flat I'd call a family member to get me one of my other alloys to fit.

James

it's not bolted down? was that deffo an option? i reckon thats a standard focus spacesaver with the standard foam bits supplied with a normal focus with a full size spare. you sure that fits over the st front brakes?

RS Grant

iTrader: (1)

I was gonna sneak in the full word 'loves' but I knew someone would check I was playing the game properly!!


Cheers,
Grant

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

I have no idea really. I saw a couple of st's with these in when I was looking about before I bought this one. A bloke at work has a 1.8focus with the same set up, flat boot floor, space saver etc. And in the ford handbook under tyre pressures, the focus st column has the 18" wheel and 16" space saver listed so I guess it must be a optional fit. Have never tried it over the front brakes though!!!