My Scout needs four new tyres.

 

It also needs two of the (infamously weak polished 17" Proteus) alloys refurbing.

 

I'm going to get these two chores done as close as possible so that the tyre fitters can fit and balance all four tyres at the same time.

 

To get 2x alloys refurbed I need to leave the alloys with them for a few days but still need to use the car.

 

Can I fit the 16" spare from the Scout together with the spare from my Superb to both front wheels of the Scout (both spares are identical sizes).

 

Will this cause the infamous transmission wind-up I've heard discussed before? I'm assuming as long as I keep the spare steels on the same axle I'll be OK? I think the rolling radius of the higher profile tyres together with the 16" steel spares are all but identical to the lower profile 17" alloys.

 

Another option (and perhaps better idea) would be to stick all four 17" winter alloys off my Superb on for a few days instead. I appreciate that the ET/offset won't be ideal and it may rasie a few eyebrows from an insurance perspective but I'm more concerned about damaging the rear diff / Haldex set-up...

 

Thanks!

I can't see it being a broblem if both on the same axle ,you may get a warning from the abs I would refrain from loosing grip on the front wheels so the rear wheels are not engaged.

 If the fronts are slightly smaller wouldn't the electronics interpret this as front wheel slip and put more traction on the back? Having just taken my 4x 16" winter alloys off and replaced my 4x 17" Proteus with summer tyres, I noticed the difference in the two. The car reports about 5%- 10% better economy with the 16" wheels I guess mostly because the rolling circumference is different, but could be the slightly narrower tyres as well. I wouldn't risk it with different sizes I'd go with changing all 4, having said that the car is supplied with the 16" spare when bought as an extra, but of course this has a sticker that tells you to limit the speed.

Edited 24 March, 201412 yr by paddypaws

Thanks guys, the refurber needs three days (very small local engineering type workshop) to powdercoat them so I think I'll stick my 17" winters on that I'm taking off my Superb this weekend.

I've had 2 upfront 205/55/16 winters, and 2 Proteus 17" at the back for 9 days, no problem, and no warning on the dash.

 

Sure a little careful driving, but thats not something that should be permanently on the road.