That's just it - I've never had the need to actually check

I've had tyres replaced - I don't watch that happening.

For some reason I just assumed I'd got a space-saver. But I did pay the factory option.

I don't mind having mis-matched fronts for a day if the spare is a full-size - can cope with a single steel. I just didn't fancy having one of those thin-looking savers

It's not a space-saver as it isn't saving any space.

 

The higher profile tyre on a 16" rim compensates for the larger diameter 18" alloy wheel. The rolling radius is therefore all but identical.

 

An 18" Neptune and tyre is wider (or higher when stored in the wheel well) but it easily fits in the wheel well and still allows the boot floor to sit flat.

 

By all means call it a cost-saver (steel rim versus alloy and 16" tyre versus 18") but if you want to see a true space-saver wheel...

 

 

If you paid for a Skoda 'space-saver' as a factory optional extra then Skoda take out the can of tyre repair foam and add a full size 16" steel wheel and tool kit in the wheel well instead.

 

The vRS spare wheel is the same full size steel wheel that is fitted to entry level specification Octavia's not fitted with alloy wheels but without the plastic wheel trim...

 

 

Skoda confuse the matter by calling it a space-saver.

 

As a result you should have no concerns with driving on the full size spare whilst you get the alloy fixed.

Edited 24 November, 201312 yr by silver1011

It's not a space-saver as it isn't saving any space.

 

The higher profile tyre on a 16" rim compensates for the larger diameter 18" alloy wheel. The rolling radius is therefore all but identical.

 

An 18" Neptune and tyre is wider (or higher when stored in the wheel well) but it easily fits in the wheel well and still allows the boot floor to sit flat.

 

By all means call it a cost-saver (steel rim versus alloy and 16" tyre versus 18") but if you want to see a true space-saver wheel...

 

 

If you paid for a Skoda 'space-saver' as a factory optional extra then Skoda take out the can of tyre repair foam and add a full size 16" steel wheel and tool kit in the wheel well instead.

 

The vRS spare wheel is the same full size steel wheel that is fitted to entry level specification Octavia's not fitted with alloy wheels but without the plastic wheel trim...

 

 

Skoda confuse the matter by calling it a space-saver.

 

As a result you should have no concerns with driving on the full size spare whilst you get the alloy fixed.

 

Thank you kindly for clearing up my confusion!

It's a different width to the normal tyre (195 on mine) hence the 50mph warnings on it.

Well I've had a reply from one of the three companies I dropped a line to.

The guy is mobile, so comes out to me. Does the repair, bakes the wheel for a couple of hours and says I'll be back to showroom condition based on the pictures I sent him.

Quoted my £70 for the work, which I guess is a damn sight less than a new wheel and the fact he's mobile will make things easier - suggests I don't drive for an hour after the wheel is re-fitted and no jet washing for a week.

That's a 'smart repair' in effect.

 

If you think that's overall easier for you, then you need to factor that in as well. Personally I'd go for a proper tyre off refurb and know it had been fully cleaned, blasted, dipped etc. And I know that can be done for £55 per corner, including tyre removal and re-fitment. But a lot depends on the area of the country, and obviously knowing somewhere good to get it sorted.

I think the fact I literally get to sit back and let him do the work outside my place is worth a few extra quid to me.

He offers a "12 month guarantee" and of course tells me that nobody has ever had to use it.......

 

I'm arranging for him to come out on Saturday so I'll post some "after pics" once it has been done.

Thought you might say that

OK, for completion I've added a couple of pictures of the repaired wheel.

When the guy popped around I also noticed some damage to the rear wheel on the same side, so I decided to have them both done - paid £55 for each one.

I've tried to get the same angle as the original picture for a proper comparison.

 

 

Cannot fault the work really. He was here for nearly 3hrs - I just kept him topped up with tea and gave him access to a power source.

Both wheels looking as good as new.
 

Looks good.

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Looking good. I had a local guy sort out some damage on mine and was also pleased. In fact as long as there isn't a massive chunk of alloy missing I would be OK with a smart repair. The local Mercedes dealership uses him to sort out all of the used stock so I guess there are a good number of people driving around with smart repairs unaware.

Well it looks pretty good, I take it your repair is filler and not welded or crack tested

Nice result that. Looks spot on

 

For a small repair, on an otherwise A1 wheel, it's a decent option - and less hassle as you've found

I've got to get my nearside front kerbed neptune (Blackline vRS) repaired after some avoidance tactics required from an oncoming!  Sidewall is torn but local tyre dealer said I'd "got away with it".  So the alloy is quite badly scuffed .... Had a horrendous quote from Alloy Weldcraft in Wycombe who really didn't seem to want my business and gave off some serious bad vibes - so bye bye to them.

 

Had a good chat with a mobile service called "Revive" who appear to be a franchise type set-up.  Bloke said he'd charge £65+VAT per wheel including repair/fill/repaint on my own premises.  Anyone heard of them or used them?

 

Piccie attached.