Spare Wheel vs. Space Saver vs. Tyre Repair Foam

[GeoffB]

Hi all,

I bought my Vito with no spare wheel, space saver or foam and since learned that none of these are required by law or for the MOT.

Here's a quick poll based on what you would prefer, given the choice.

Geoff

 

[Blobcat]

If your Vito is a work vehicle that you reply on for income then I'd get a full size spare and secure it in the back.

If not a can or 2 of Tyreweld will get you home in most cases

 

[GeoffB]

Yep, I have a can of tyreweld until my full size spare wheel arrives and I get a tyre fitted.

 

[Droverunner]

I voted spacesaver as that was my choice for my 639 Viano. It was so much easier to make up an unobtrusive mount location than for a full size and I've suffered tyre damage in the past that gunk wouldn't seal in a location with no phone signal... that concentrates the mind if no spare carried.

 

[curious]

Is there a bracket for a spare wheel but yours simply didn't come with it when bought?
I presume it's a W447 (from the picture)?

(The W639 van came with a bracket inside for the compact, and an underslung bracket for LWB & XLWB)

I also have a can of tyreweld type stuff (in addition to a full size spare).

 

[GeoffB]

Is there a bracket for a spare wheel but yours simply didn't come with it when bought?
I presume it's a W447 (from the picture)?

(The W639 van came with a bracket inside for the compact, and an underslung bracket for LWB & XLWB)

I also have a can of tyreweld type stuff (in addition to a full size spare).

It is indeed a W447.

There is a shallow space for what looks like a space saver size wheel but no underslung bracket.

In addition to the tyreweld I plan to carry the full size spare in the back on longer journeys at least.

 

[DSK]

I’d say both if possible!

If you have space be it built in or can spare it, a spare wheel be it space saver or full size is always best.

Also a can or two of tyre weld weld along with a decently inflator.


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[Headhurts]

I’m in a minority I voted for the repair foam, my reason being at 70 years plus that’s the most I would be prepared to do and that would be a stretch.

That said it’s a very rare occurrence to get a tyre issue, at least that’s my experience.

Robin

 

[rorywquin]

Like @Headhurts , I’m racking my brain to recall when last I had a puncture and I have Mobilo but voted for foam. I think it is safer (in every way) than changing a wheel.

EDIT : As I was writing this I remembered getting a flat in the early 80s. Newish (<4 years old) VW Jetta with alloys. After battling to loosen the nuts (stupid tiny wrenches they provide) , I just could not get the wheel off. The wheel was stuck to the hub. The AA guy battled for about 30 minutes with a block of wood and 4lb hammer. Spare is no use if you cannot get the flat wheel off.

 

[EmilysDad]

Like @Headhurts , .....

EDIT : As I was writing this I remembered getting a flat in the early 80s. Newish (<4 years old) VW Jetta with alloys. After battling to loosen the nuts (stupid tiny wrenches they provide) , I just could not get the wheel off. The wheel was stuck to the hub. The AA guy battled for about 30 minutes with a block of wood and 4lb hammer. Spare is no use if you cannot get the flat wheel off.

When I've changed wheels that were stuck solid to the hub, I've just slackened the nuts/bolts & driven the cars a few feet & jammed the brakes on. The wheel has always let go of the hub.
But I've always made sure that wheels on a new to me car are removed & greased up on the hub while on my drive rather than battling with it at the side of the road.

 

[DSK]

In around 1.4 million miles of Driving to date I’ve only ever hand handful of punctures or spotted an issue before the tyre left me stranded.

That said you’d be daft to drive about thinking I don’t need it. The things usually happen when you least want them to.

Having roadside rac/aa is good too as you just call them out to scuff their knuckles instead but always having the materials yourself


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[EmilysDad]

In around 1.4 million miles of Driving to date I’ve only ever hand handful of punctures or spotted an issue before the tyre left me stranded.
.....

I hope you had your fingers crossed when you said that

My Smarts don't have a spare but both carry some kind of gloop, neither tend to be too far from home though. My Merc however, tows our caravan here, ther & everywhere and has a skinny spare. At least I could be mobile soon-ish if I get a puncture Sunday afternoon miles from anywhere.

 

[rorywquin]

When I've changed wheels that were stuck solid to the hub, I've just slackened the nuts/bolts & driven the cars a few feet & jammed the brakes on. The wheel has always let go of the hub.
But I've always made sure that wheels on a new to me car are removed & greased up on the hub while on my drive rather than battling with it at the side of the road.

Good idea - however as mentioned that was about 40 years ago and I've never had another flat.

If I did get a flat, I’d rather simply use a gunk kit, quicker and safer.

 

[NJS5]

If you must go for Tyre Repair Foam I would suggest something like the AirMan ResQ Emergancy Tyre Repair Kit, which uses a sealant which is water based & can be pumped through the valve and includes a decent compressor. Cost about £35

 

[GeoffB]

If you must go for Tyre Repair Foam I would suggest something like the AirMan ResQ Emergancy Tyre Repair Kit, which uses a sealant which is water based & can be pumped through the valve and includes a decent compressor. Cost about £35

That's exactly the one I bought off Amazon after doing some online research a few weeks ago, so I am glad to hear another endorsement.

The compressor gauge seems accurate too.

 

[NJS5]

I bought one for SWMBO from the manufacturer, slightly less than Amazon's price, but not a lot in it.

I might even consider another one or two for my SL & Discovery!

NJSS

 

[GeoffB]

A full size spare wheel seems to be the favourite so far and that got my vote too.

I wonder if all of us are over 50

 

[NJS5]

I'm just over 80, but managed to fit an emergency spare wheel to my SL & full size spare to my Discovery in the last year or so.

On one occasion I ruined a pair of trousers & shoes, and on the other I was assisted by a kind, and much younger passer by, hence my interest in the AirMan ResQ kit.

 

[Benz17]

Hi does anyone have any first hand experience of using the resq sealant kit.

As I have read that the gunk kit play havoc with tpms, was wondering how safe resq is with tpms.

 

[NJS5]

I have no experience. I did a lot of "Google" research, and found most of the reviews were "suspect" as they were promoted by Amazon & the like.

The one independent comparison I found was here.