Going back on topic - Is anyone considering putting a full-size spare in the boot - or is it not an option due to space restrictions?

I am. Still not sure what exactly I'm going to do. Buy another Gemini or Extremes

Going back on topic - Is anyone considering putting a full-size spare in the boot - or is it not an option due to space restrictions?

I plan to buy a full size Gemini. I'll wait until the car arrives but if I have to empty the boot to change a wheel, I'd rather have a full size spare.

I've got an 18" wheel in the boot of my Golf which raises the carpet slightly. Hopefully it'll be the same in the Octavia.

TBQH you don't want to touch Tyre Weld.

 

If you use it and the puncture is in the centre of the tyre and would normally be reparable, it won't be because you've used Tyre Weld, I have been told that by 3 tyre companies. You will be required to buy a new tyre.

Last 2 cars.  3.5yrs 35000 miles. No spare wheel.  2 Punctures.  No need to buy new tyre.  No regrets.

 

If you RTFM you will see that the gunge is only deployed in extreme cases where the tyre is probably a write off anyway.  You don't use it for every little slow puncture - if you do it is you that wrote off a perfectly repairable tyre not the gunge.

Having a spare is better than a can of foam and that's a fact. End of.

Last 2 cars.  3.5yrs 35000 miles. No spare wheel.  2 Punctures.  No need to buy new tyre.  No regrets.

 

If you RTFM you will see that the gunge is only deployed in extreme cases where the tyre is probably a write off anyway.  You don't use it for every little slow puncture - if you do it is you that wrote off a perfectly repairable tyre not the gunge.

 

Correct.

Having a spare is better than a can of foam and that's a fact. End of.

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Given a choice, I agree.

That is not possible with every car though, and given a choice between carrying sealant+pump or carrying nothing, I would carry sealant+pump.

And if you carry sealant, do you carry the car maker's sealant or a reputable, much cheaper, well-established and widely used alternative sealant?  Opinions seem to vary from "there is no difference whatsovever" to "if you are going to use a sealant, always use the sealant provided by the car maker, otherwise you might end up dead."

Perhaps a more useful question is: "if you carry a spare wheel in a Mk 3 Skoda Octavia, do you lose any boot space?"

As far as I can tell (from actually looking at a car in a showroom) the answer is "in an estate, carrying a 16" steel spare takes up no more room than the sealant+pump".

Can anyone answer: does this apply to the hatchback as well?

What if you want to carry an alloy spare or any wheel bigger than 16"?

What about versions (VRS models?) with bigger brake disks on the front which need bigger rims than 16"?  Would it be sensible to carry a 16" spare (if that's the only thing which will fit the spare wheel well) and swap wheels front-to-back if necessary?

Some factual information from people who actually know would be useful here.

 

       

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What about versions (VRS models?) with bigger brake disks on the front which need bigger rims than 16"?  Would it be sensible to carry a 16" spare (if that's the only thing which will fit the spare wheel well) and swap wheels front-to-back if necessary?

 

       

Well seeing as I have a vRS i'll start. The optional spare for the vRS is skinny 18" spacesaver which being so narrow leaves a good about of space around the tool kit for stuff (i have some shopping bags, a pump, some AG interior shampoo and cloths). It's a very useful space for stuff and I'm sure over time i'll put more in there.....

 

Here's a pic;

 

Edited 22 October, 201312 yr by Neily03

As far as I am concerned, if it's a choice of losing boot space or having a proper spare wheel, then the wheel wins everytime. Some cars such as the Skoda we have the luxury of having somewhere to put a full size road wheel if it has to be changed, with many cars, in particular sports cars that isn't an option.

 

@stuarted : if your last sentence was aimed at me then I'll treat it with the contempt it deserves.

Well seeing as I have a vRS i'll start. The optional spare for the vRS is skinny 18" spacesaver which being so narrow leaves a good about of space around the tool kit for stuff (i have some shopping bags, a pump, some AG interior shampoo and cloths). It's a very useful space for stuff and I'm sure over time i'll put more in there.....

 

Here's a pic;

 

Got to love the no-expense-spared cardboard Skoda use for the underlining of the boot carpet. It was one of the many "weight saving devices" my wife noticed when comparing it to the A4 we were considering instead. Other items were the thin plastic door bins, rattly arm rest compartment, and pull-off passenger side grab handle.

 

Not slating Skoda (I have ordered one after all), the above picture just reminded me that they are not close to Audi quality yet.

Edited 22 October, 201312 yr by Orville

the above picture just reminded me that they are not close to Audi quality yet.

 

In superficialities only. Look at any part under the bonnet or under the car and you'll see Audi logos stamped on everything    

Err the booth floor is wood, like most manufactures used, makes sense to use anything else....

Well seeing as I have a vRS i'll start. The optional spare for the vRS is skinny 18" spacesaver which being so narrow leaves a good about of space around the tool kit for stuff (i have some shopping bags, a pump, some AG interior shampoo and cloths). It's a very useful space for stuff and I'm sure over time i'll put more in there.....

 

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Good to have some factual information - especially a photograph.  Thank you!

Also: "You can get a full size spare in the well, it fits. I have tried."  (see http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/292440-octavia-vrs-iii-spec-questions/ )

Presumably you can store these extra items somewhere else, temporarily, if you need to put a punctured full-size wheel in the well?

However I think I might be inclined to have a full-size spare if possible, fitted with a standard tyre (usually the best of a discarded set).

Might even be worth carrying gunk+pump as well if you have room, in case of more than one puncture or so that you can help someone else.  Like it's always worth carrying jump leads and a tow rope, even if only for someone else's possible bnefit.  Doesn't take up much space, espeically in a capacious car like an Octavia estate.