On this page
- How fast can you go on a space-saver?
- How many kilometres can you drive on a space-saver?
- How does the car drive with a space-saver fitted?
- Space-saver or full-size spare: what's the difference?
- Can you drive on the motorway or ring road on a space-saver?
- What should you do after fitting the space-saver?
- Don't want to drive around Milan on a space-saver?
- Frequently asked questions
How fast can you go on a space-saver?
On a space-saver you can go no faster than the speed marked on the space-saver itself, which in the vast majority of cases is 80 km/h. The limit is usually printed on the sidewall or on a coloured label stuck to the rim.
It's a maximum, not a recommended speed: on wet roads, with a loaded car or in corners it's best to stay well below it. A space-saver has a narrow tread and a different compound, so grip is lower than with a normal wheel.
How many kilometres can you drive on a space-saver?
On a space-saver you should only drive the kilometres needed to reach a tyre specialist or somewhere to have the original tyre repaired. There's no figure that applies to every car: some manufacturers give a maximum distance in the handbook, others simply say "temporary use".
The reason is simple: a space-saver is designed not to last long. Used for a long time it wears quickly and, because its diameter or width is different, it puts strain on the differential and the traction control systems. Think of the space-saver as a solution for the day, not for the week.
How does the car drive with a space-saver fitted?
With a space-saver fitted, the car brakes and holds the road less well, especially on the side with the spare. Adjust your driving accordingly.
- Leave a bigger gap: braking distances get longer.
- Take corners calmly and avoid sudden steering.
- In the rain or on dirty roads, reduce your speed even further.
- Don't use space-savers on two wheels at the same time: it's designed to replace just one.
- Some warning lights (traction control, ABS, pressure) may come on: this can happen, but check the handbook.
Space-saver or full-size spare: what's the difference?
The main difference is that a space-saver has usage limits, while a spare wheel the same size as the others doesn't (as long as it's in good condition and at the correct pressure).
| Space-saver | Full-size spare wheel | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Narrower, sometimes a different diameter | Same size as the other wheels |
| Speed | Limited, typically 80 km/h | As for the other wheels |
| How long it can be used | Temporarily | Can stay fitted |
| Pressure | Often higher than the normal wheels: see the space-saver sidewall or the handbook | As specified for the axle it's fitted to |
If you don't know what's in your boot, read how to tell whether the car has a spare wheel, space-saver or kit.
Can you drive on the motorway or ring road on a space-saver?
If you need to drive a stretch of ring road or motorway on a space-saver, always respect its speed limit and the handbook's instructions: many manufacturers only allow it for reaching the nearest tyre specialist. In practice, travelling at 80 km/h among faster traffic calls for great care: stay in the right-hand lane, use your mirrors and consider an alternative route if possible.
Before setting off, check the space-saver's pressure: if it's sat in its well for years without being checked, it may be deflated. See deflated or expired spare wheel.
What should you do after fitting the space-saver?
After fitting the space-saver you must have the punctured tyre checked as soon as possible, to repair or replace it and refit the original wheel.
- Put the punctured tyre in the boot, without squashing it or resting heavy objects on it.
- Recheck the tightness of the wheel bolts after the first few kilometres, as the handbook often advises.
- Take the tyre to a tyre specialist: many punctures in the tread can be repaired (see when can a tyre be repaired).
- Put the space-saver back in its well, correctly inflated, ready for next time.
Don't want to drive around Milan on a space-saver?
If you're in Milan or the surrounding province and would rather avoid the space-saver, SOS Tyre comes out 24/7, in 30 minutes on average, to wherever the vehicle is: when technically possible we repair the tyre on the spot, or we do the wheel change for you. Call +39 377 326 0999: on the phone we tell you straight away when we'll arrive.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 80 km/h limit also apply to space-savers with a different label?
No: the value marked on the space-saver or its label always applies. 80 km/h is the most common limit, but some space-savers show a different value. If the label isn't legible, treat 80 km/h as a cautious ceiling and check the vehicle's owner's handbook.
Can I fit the space-saver on a front wheel?
Generally yes, a space-saver can be fitted in any position, but some manufacturers recommend moving it to the rear and putting a normal wheel at the front, especially on front-wheel-drive cars. The correct procedure is given in the vehicle's owner's handbook.
Can I use snow chains with a space-saver?
Normally no: most manufacturers advise against fitting chains to a space-saver, because its size is different from the one the chains were chosen for. If you need to drive on snowy roads, fit the space-saver on an axle that doesn't need chains, following the handbook's instructions.
Does a space-saver wear out faster than a normal tyre?
Yes. A space-saver has a thin tread and a light structure, designed for short distances. Using it for a long time wears it quickly and reduces its grip. After extended use it's worth having it checked before putting it back in the well as a spare.