Finally now getting round to sourcing a full size spare but seems tyres are directional so left or right? Would it make much difference if you ran car with tyre on wrong side just for a short time as a spare till you got a puncture repaired?

Not all tyres are directional.  Some are asymmetric so must be fitted the correct way around on the wheel but can be used in any position on the car.  Some tyres are neither and can be fitted either way around on the wheel. 

 

Do you already have a tyre to fit to the spare or are you buying a wheel with a tyre already fitted?  The spare wheel provided with my car has a non-directional and non-asymmetric tyre and so can be used to replace any wheel/tyre on the car.

 

I doubt that fitting a directional tyre the 'wrong way around' would be a problem for a short distance - just don't try for a personal best speed around a roundabout, especially in the wet.

Make sure the spare isn't directional.

If you are unsure I would just go for the full set, not cheap mind http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-VW-Up-Skoda-Citigo-Seat-Mii-Spare-Wheel-and-Tool-Kit-WITH-TYRE-/170985478017?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item27cf875781

It's apparent that some don't understand the concept of these tyre types. As long as they are fitted correctly on the wheel (the word "OUTSIDE" visible when fitted), they can go anywhere on the car....'cos the word "OUTSIDE" will still be visible.

It's apparent that some don't understand the concept of these tyre types. As long as they are fitted correctly on the wheel (the word "OUTSIDE" visible when fitted), they can go anywhere on the car....'cos the word "OUTSIDE" will still be visible.

Sorry...the original question was about directional tyres and my comments related to asymmetric ones. Apologies to all...

The site I was wanting to buy from you had to specify let or right side of car fitting. So I just opted for a used space saver instead - tyre and wheel £29 delivered. Already got weelbraces, sockets, jack etc so big saving on dealer option! 

The site I was wanting to buy from you had to specify let or right side of car fitting. So I just opted for a used space saver instead - tyre and wheel £29 delivered. Already got weelbraces, sockets, jack etc so big saving on dealer option! 

I have only once driven a car with a space saver fitted.  It was late at night, in heavy rain for a distance of over 100 miles.  The car's behaviour under even light braking was 'interesting', and legally I was limited to 50mph.  I would always have a 'proper' tyre as the spare - even better if wheel and tyre same as the other 4.  If 'proper' spare is different size to the usual 4 then you are still limited to 50mph.