Has anyone actually used the space saver on the XC70?
 

I'm a bit concerned that it appears to have a significantly smaller rolling circumference compared to the normal road wheels.:eek:

I mean I guess it's OK for limited distance since it was an option on the car, but has anyone actually had to use it in anger and if so how was it?

I know pretty much all cars have a space saver these days but at least on the V60 and V40 I have the rolling circumference is about the same which is a good starting point.

I have used it for a very short distance and didn't notice any handling problems at the sub 30 mph speeds on the urban route that I had to drive to have the tyre repaired. I wouldn't want to drive motorways at 60 mph for any length of time but I must assume that Volvo researched this when they decided to use a space saver in place of a full size spare.

the space saver is better used on rear wheel if you ever have the need to use it

Interesting. What is the rationale behind it being better on the rear?

I’ve used one, the car pulls under braking and acceleration, but it is infinitely better than being stranded. Remember it’s an emergency get you home spare.

There’s no risk whatsoever of damage to the AWD system or differentials arising from using wheels of different sizes, and the ABS and traction control will work normally.

skinny space saver reduced grip when steering breaking small tire contact patch on the road .

A spacesaver of the correct size has exactly the same rolling radius as the standard. This is because although the space saver will have a smaller wheel it has a larger aspect ratio tyre. For this reason both have the same load rating and meet the same safety standards. At 50mph on normal roads the spacesaver performs adequately on front or rear axle so you can simply replace the punctured wheel/tyre with the space saver, and travel at the 50mph max speed to the nearest tyre repair depot. Replace it after use. Admittedly they look dreadful, but work perfectly OK with any drive system or axle.

Space savers should be used on rear where possible. This is to reduce safety impact and erratic behaviour during steering/braking. Care should still be taken.

I found the space saver worryingly small and fragile looking to rely on for the long distance trips I made with my XC70. Should you want it, I have a full size spare Pirelli 215-65-16 on a black rim, that I always kept in the back of the car and put the Tempa wheel in the attic

.....but on nearly all Volvo models the space saver is smaller. But as you say the still work.