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The Fair Go story of import cars with "get you there" spare wheels worried me, as the Mechanic at an inspection (at a different garage from usual) told me that the present one was shot..to say the least... perished and split.

So with this on my mind I went to my local good Beaurepairs man & asked for a new suitable spare. They had to get a new hub thingie of correct size and a replacement tyre (slightly used) And.... as you maybe know, the new size didn't fit in the holder underneath the car! So it has to be carried in the boot part of my Mitisubishi Chariot, or behind the front seat if I've got stuff in the boot!

Any suggestions would be MOST welcome.

Shirley

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 18 June, 2008

For the majority of motorists the space saver (get you there) spare wheel does a good job. For those who live in extreme / remote places the full size wheel is sometimes a better option and provides peace of mind motoring. If your space saver tyre was perished and split then a second hand (space saver) wheel complete with tyre may have been a better option. You are correct regarding the wheel causing damage to occupants in the event of an accident and you may not pass a Warrant of Fitness because the spare wheel must be secure.

The only other option may be to find a second hand wheel carrier from a Chariot which was sold new with a full size spare wheel and have that fitted to your vehicle. There are car dismantlers who specialise in Mitsubishi's. An expensive option though - for me I would go for a second hand space saver wheel complete. When was the last time you had a puncture or the need to use the spare?