Space savers (or temporary use tyres) are common place these days in new cars, with a full sized traditional spare becoming a rarity.
Infact many vehicle manufactures provide no spare at all, with space-saving, speed limited tyres or run-flat tyres with an inflation kit deemed good enough.
Overview
Typically consisting of both a wheel and rim and smaller than your average tyre, space savers are spare tyres specifically designed by vehicle manufacturers to be used as a replacement in the advent of a punctured tyre. First introduced for sports cars as a way of maximising the boot space, the now come as standard equipment in most new vehicles as way to reduce costs.
They are a small, lightweight substitute for the traditional fitted tyres and are usually instantly recognisable by a bright red or yellow rim and slender/compact size. As such they are strictly to be used in emergency situations only, and should be used as a permanent replacement for a standard road tyre.
It is important that you do not use space saver tyres for extended periods of time, at high speeds or for long distances. Once a space saver has been temporarily fitted, you should drive to the nearest tyre store as soon as possible and purchase a replacement tyre.
Safety
It is highly recommended that you pay attention to any recommendations outlined by the vehicle’s manufacturer, specifically in relation to speed limits, tyre pressures, travelling distances and vehicle load as driving on a space-saver tyre dramatically alters the behaviour of your vehicle – increasing stopping distances by nearly 50% and reducing corning grip by up to 13%. Generally the maximum speed rating for space-saver tyres in 80 km/h.
For further information, see the placard found near your spare tyre or the vehicle’s operating handbook, however generally it’s important to note the following guidelines when using a temporary spare tyre:
- Be sure you ONLY fit spare tyres that have been provided by your vehicles manufacturer for your specific make and model or replacement tyres recommended by your local tyre dealer that are a direct match for the original equipment specifications outlined by the manufacturer.
- Be aware that temporary use tyres such as space savers and run-flat tyres are not designed to be driven on for extended periods or long distances.
- Always check the condition that the spare tyre is in before driving.
- Never fit a space saver to another rim.
- Always check the tyre pressure of the spare, noting that the inflation pressure will NOT be the same for a space saver as your normal tyre.
- Always read the manufacturers instructions and drive your vehicle accordingly.
Roadworthy requirement
Driving with a space-saver tyre is perfectly acceptable under all state and territory regulations in Australia, providing that the tyre has been fitted and is being used within the specifications outlined by the vehicle’s manufacturer (found in your handbook).
Please note that in order for your vehicle to pass a roadworthy inspection, you must not have more than one space-saver tyre (or other type of temporary use tyre) fitted to your vehicle at any given time.
Insurance claims
In most instances, incidents involving space-saver tyres will be treated the just like any other insurance claim in that all the contributing factors will be taken into account and looked at individually for each case. Although the use of space-saving tyres will not automatically exclude a claim from being approved, your insurer may look at whether the tyre was used in accordance with the manufacturers specifications (e.g. speed rating, distanced travelled) with review a claim.
