Spare Tyre Poll

[wimorrison]

Originally Posted by jimbg

Thanks for raising this, I must admit I had never looked at the space saver apart from checking I had one!

The thought of driving on that is rather concerning to say the least.

That will be why they limit the distance that you should travel with the space saver tyre fitted and also the maximum speed that you should drive at

The difference in rolling circumference is handled by the differential on driven axles, which is what it is designed to do and what it does everytime you go around a corner. A similar mechanical effect happens when you travel with a tyre on one side that is deflated compared to the other side.

[durchy]

I'm looking to buy XC60, but am amazed that a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is not available on UK models.
I've owned an E class merc with TPMS for last 5 years and had at least 5 punctures, but have managed to get to tyre fitters before flat.
I know that after Dec 2012 it will be compulsory on new cars, so it must be a high priority safety issue!

[GMad]

I haven't voted (horses for courses and all that), but my personal preference is for a full size spare.
My S60 came from the factory with a space saver, but given that it has a full size hole for a big wheel, that's exactly what it got (purchased from a member on here).

[844PHW]

Originally Posted by GMad

I haven't voted (horses for courses and all that), but my personal preference is for a full size spare.
My S60 came from the factory with a space saver, but given that it has a full size hole for a big wheel, that's exactly what it got (purchased from a member on here).

Interesting. I take that to imply that the XC60 could reasonably have a proper space for a full size spare and that the space being sized to a spacesaver spare is not an essential design feature.

[GMad]

Originally Posted by 844PHW

Interesting. I take that to imply that the XC60 could reasonably have a proper space for a full size spare and that the space being sized to a spacesaver spare is not an essential design feature.

Well my car has its 17 inch Tethys wheels and all I had to do was remove a small piece of foam padding on the underside of the boot floor cover to make it sit flat on the fifth (spare) full sized alloy.

[844PHW]

Originally Posted by GMad

Well my car has its 17 inch Tethys wheels and all I had to do was remove a small piece of foam padding on the underside of the boot floor cover to make it sit flat on the fifth (spare) full sized alloy.

The xc60 luggage area underfloor is closely designed around the spacesaver spare. A larger spare wheel cannot be stored there as things stand because a) the spare wheel slots tightly under the body rear cross member and b) the front end of the depression is sloped up so that the underfloor depth is only enough to accommodate the spacesaver.

Perhaps (and it is only conjecture) they were trying to create lots of space under the chassis. As a matter of interest could someone post a photo of the space available between the rear transmission of a XC60 AWD and the underbody. There is of course a vast amount with the FWD since there is no rear transmission.

[GMad]

Originally Posted by 844PHW

The xc60 luggage area underfloor is closely designed around the spacesaver spare. A larger spare wheel cannot be stored there as things stand because a) the spare wheel slots tightly under the body rear cross member and b) the front end of the depression is sloped up so that the underfloor depth is only enough to accommodate the spacesaver.

Ah I see. In that case I guess you are goosed and will have to use a bicycle tyre as a spare in the event of a puncture..

[NigeS]

In one of my cars I carry the space saver(been lugging it around for years), but I don't carry a jack or the tools to either remove a wheel or even the compressor to inflate the space saver. I do carry a can tyre sealant though. Perhaps I should remove the space saver.

[durchy]

I've just taken delivery of new XC60. Had dealer fit TPMS in the hope that if I do get puncture, I'll have time to get to fitters and get a repair done.

[CAPOW]

I understand that amongst other stupid rules, the French INSIST that yo have a spere wheel. If I get hold of a 'space saver' wheel, will it fit under the false floor of the boot if you take the under tray out?
Any advice would be appriciated as I do have to go to France, and don't want to get pulled up as I'm guessing the French police will also know the V60 doesn't come with a spare as standard.