According to http://www.etyres.co.uk/tyre-size-calculator , the difference in size between 225/40/18 and 225/35/19 would be 0.47% (3 mm actual difference). Anyone know the actual dimensions of the space saver? Is it different for 17" or 18" wheels (I ask because the 17" or 18" space saver spare is listed as one item in the brochure, rather than two separate ones).

Beaten to it while I was writing!

 

I have 17" Teron's on 225/45R17 and my spare is a 205/55R16 steel. I was assuming that this was the same for all vehicles, but there is a 205/50R17 wheel size approved for the vehicle which would have a slightly larger overall diameter. It is listed in the TUV doc with a note about M+S, so it probably exists in the Skoda catalogue as a steel and would make a better spare for both 18" and 19" wheels. Of course, whether this is actually the case is speculation...

That is the spare for the vrs isn't it?

So returning to Dedders' very useful post, the space saver spare is 125/70 R18 99M on 3.5Jx18H2 ET25. I tried adding this to etyres' tyre size calculator as before, but the narrowest option on that is 135. Even so, the difference in rolling radius between the 225/35/19 (Xtreme) and a 135/70/18 shows as 6mm (0.94% of total). With a 125 width (as per the actual space saver) I expect the difference will be even smaller. So I don't understand why the brochure states the space saver is only for 17 or 18" wheels?

Even stranger, the difference in rolling radius between the space saver and the standard 225/40/18 is actually bigger...?

Colour me confused. Anyone with a definitive answer as to whether I can/should run the space saver with 19" Xtremes - I would be very grateful! If it can be done, I'll add it to my order straight away and, like Huskoda suggested, tell the dealer I'll worry about any problems myself.

Additional to the above - I found a better (? - more comprehensive, anyway) tyre size calculator at www.tyresizecalculator.com (I know - well hidden). Here are the results:

 

 

Hope this helps me get a definitive answer! Cheers guys.

Look at it this way. If you bought a VRS on 18s with a spare, then bought the 19s afterwards, would your spare suddenly be invalid?

 

Space savers don't even need to be the same circumference/diameter as the standard wheels, which is one of the reasons they have the 50 MPH limit.

 

The only plausible reason I can think of is if the Xtremes use different wheel bolts, but I don't believe that is the case and is a trivial fix (carry a bag with 5 standard bolts).

125/70R18, now that really is a space saver. I guess the vRS was always going to have a different solution as the 16" won't fit over the brake calipers, but I would rather have the 205/50R17 myself.

Look at it this way. If you bought a VRS on 18s with a spare, then bought the 19s afterwards, would your spare suddenly be invalid?

 

Space savers don't even need to be the same circumference/diameter as the standard wheels, which is one of the reasons they have the 50 MPH limit.

 

The only plausible reason I can think of is if the Xtremes use different wheel bolts, but I don't believe that is the case and is a trivial fix (carry a bag with 5 standard bolts).

Well I think that's decision made for me. I'll get the dealer to add the space saver to my order. Thanks for your input!

Well I think that's decision made for me. I'll get the dealer to add the space saver to my order. Thanks for your input!

 

There are certain combinations of options that, no matter how much you want them to, the dealer cannot add to an order because the computer says no, even if there is no logical reason for it.  This may or may not be one of them.  I can't imagine a dealer not wanting to add options that are available, because I'm sure it all adds to their profit / commission / bonus / whatever.

There is also the possible issue of whether the ABS and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System will still work as they should if the difference between the "proper" rolling diameter and that with a space saver is too large. I have absolutely no idea on that I'm afraid, but someone else here might. Could be worth getting some independent advice about what sizes of space saver will be OK e.g. from a tyre or wheel supplier. They tned to be more clued up about wheel and tyre matters than dealers I find.

But the point is that the overall rolling circumference of the space saver is comparable with of the 18" AND 19" rims so i don't see the issue? The hubs are exactly the same

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But the point is that the overall rolling circumference of the space saver is comparable with of the 18" AND 19" rims so i don't see the issue? The hubs are exactly the same

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Yes,  but "comparable with" might not be good enough. If, let's say, the ABS starts triggering when the difference in speed of rotation between two wheels is less than whatever is "comparable", then it would matter. I'm not suggesting this is a real problem, but I just don't know how sensitive the ABS and TPMS actually are. I agree it's very unlikely they are this sensitive; hence my suggestion to take additional advice.

The tolerance is less than the difference between a tyre with full tread and one worn out. In fact, there would be a bigger difference in rolling circumference by having an under inflated tyre. At the ebd of the day, these are meant as a stop gap to get you to the nearest garage. You shouldn't be driving fast or relying on being able to stop quickly when one is fitted.

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Main thing I added to my new purchase was the so called "temporary" spare wheel. No puncture repair kit thanks!

It looks like a full size Continental tyre, though on a steel wheel.  Haven't taken it out yet so not sure if it is a space saver or not.

ednmra, is a steel 16" 205 I can't remember the profile and is classed as a full size spare IIRC

Edited 30 October, 201411 yr by themanwithnoaim

ednmra, is a steel 16" 205 I can't remember the profile and is classed as a full size spare IIRC

Thanks for that! Hope I don't need it for some time yet. By the way, also discovered the little plastic puller for the wheel nut covers was missing from the boot tool kit. Dealer is sending me one.

The tolerance is less than the difference between a tyre with full tread and one worn out. 

A mate of mine has this exact problem on his Fabia.  One front was replaced due to a tear in the side wall and the other is at about 3mm.  The ABS is fine but the wheelspin indicator thingy keeps flashing.  One day he'll swap the fronts and rears and/or replace the worn tyre (but it's a lease car so it might be a long time yet)

I will most definitely be getting GAP. Dealer has just offered me both GAP & Lifeshine for £449 (normally £749!!!). As I anticipate paying approx £200 for the insurance if I did it separately (I know it can be cheaper but when it comes to insurance companies, the cheaper the quote the more likelihood of there being hassles when it comes to claiming) that makes the Lifeshine £250. Still too expensive (especially as it was free on my Elegance) but as I neither have the time nor inclination to spend every weekend polishing my car, and living in the country means it gets dirty a lot, means that I am now thinking about paying it. At least I know the dealer is making a massive markup on it. Always seems worse when you find that out later :-)

 

I wouldn't bother with life shine its a way overpriced product and you can buy the products and apply yourself for around 10-20% of the price a dealer charges for it.

I would always have gap and after a recent experience with my 9 week old car being written off the £199 I paid was well worth it as I would be around 5k short otherwise.

You can get gap from many providers on the net I have found it from as little as £97 for 3 years RTI gap.

I have ordered the 19" wheels and the dealer has happily added the space saver to my build spec.

 

When I ordered my vRS recently (mid-Sept), the dealer told me I couldn't have the space saver spare wheel as it is incompatible with the 19" Xtreme wheels. Is this not true? I'm still at Code 10 (provisionally BW47), so if the space saver would in fact be compatible with the 19s, I'd definitely want to add it to the order (especially having seen the cost of buying the kit separately!).

I have ordered the 19" wheels and the dealer has happily added the space saver to my build spec.

I spoke to my dealer today and he said that I can order the space saver wheel kit from Parts separately, but not from the factory. He can do it for a reduced price (£175 vs £225) but obviously this is a lot more than the £75 factory cost. Can I ask you which dealer this was? I can then try and ask them to have a word with my dealer and get him to add it to my factory order and save a significant amount of £.

Ive just looked and the configurator allows you to spec the space saver with the 19" rims. Granted, it's not always correct but it's a stron chance it is

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Ive just looked and the configurator allows you to spec the space saver with the 19" rims. Granted, it's not always correct but it's a stron chance it is

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It was the same when I was used the configurator prior to placing the order - the problem only came to light when the dealer tried to put the order through and the conflict was flagged up.

Heritage Skoda Yeovil

 

 

I spoke to my dealer today and he said that I can order the space saver wheel kit from Parts separately, but not from the factory. He can do it for a reduced price (£175 vs £225) but obviously this is a lot more than the £75 factory cost. Can I ask you which dealer this was? I can then try and ask them to have a word with my dealer and get him to add it to my factory order and save a significant amount of £.