Hi all, I am after a full size spare wheel for my vrs, going on a family holiday to the dordogne in August and I will be driving so a full size spare would be a good idea.

I did try a local nationwide garage but the man behind the counter couldn't help. Preferably a steel wheel as I don't want to fork out on another alloy. The car has the 19 inch extreme fitted

Thanks

You won't be able to find a steel wheel that is 19" diameter.

 

You might be able to find a used alloy on eBay which would be cheaper. It may be slightly damaged but it doesn't matter when you've got a puncture!

Also, be aware that if you have a wheel that is different to the others, even if it is the same size, you're supposed to stick to 50mph tops.

You will struggle to find a steel wheel bigger than 16" as meb90 said its easier to get a used alloy from eBay, scrapyard or local independant garage.

 

Most wheels from the VW/Seat/Audi models will fit so you should have a reasonable choice although if you really want a 19" Wheel this will limit your possibilities.

Don't forget the smallest wheel for a MKIII VRs is 17" due to the Brake Disc size on the front wheels.

Don't forget the smallest wheel for a MKIII VRs is 17" due to the Brake Disc size on the front wheels.

 

Unless its a diesel built from Jan '16.

Unless its a diesel built from Jan '16.

 

Didn't want to mention that      You'll be able to get a 14" wheel on      

Surely a 19 wouldn't fit in spare wheel well

Surely a 19 wouldn't fit in spare wheel well

Why not?

 

With the tyre on it is the same radius as a 205/55/R16?

 

The only issue is the width, the boot floor might have a slight rise in it

That's what I meant as it would be a 235 whereas the 205s sit pretty flush as is

It won't.  I've tried the standard 18" in the spare wheel well and it raised the floor.  However it was only by a small amount, I'd suggest using some wood to create a platform for the floor cardboard to sit on so it isn't damaged when luggage was put on it.

Thanks chaps, food for thought there

Daft question but. Have you thought about space saver. Loads on eBay for 40-50 quid needs to be 17 or 18 tho

you could get a new alloy to fit for £100 if you don't care about the design (and why would you for a spare?)  check tyre leader.  the tyre is an outlay, but will be used on the car in time so isn't extra cost unless you sell the car before wearing tyres out.  however if you can wait I suspect ebay will turn up a used alloy, scuffed but fine to use, for £60 ish.

I Managed to get a decent 19" xtreme for my vRS230 HB as a spare and have now successfully fitted into the wheel well. It is fitted with 225/35 tyre and will just lift the carpet by less than half an inch. I wanted a full size spare to use when touring as a space saver is OK but I feel more secure with a real spare. I think i'll normally leave the space saver in when doing local journeys but will swap over to the full size spare when going abroad. 

I knew that the polystrene insert from the 18" space saver didn't fit the Alloy properly (due to different metal thickness and profile) so bought another complete kit with jack etc for £41 from Horton Skoda to modify. In order to get the insert to fit as low as possible in the upside down wheel I had to trim the wings and cut about 1" from the back of the insert. It now sits just 1/4" above the edge of the wheel rim and flush with the tyre rim protector and fits snuggly within the wheel.

 

I tried some wood and foam at the edges to ensure all level but eventually settled on some carpet off-cuts reverse fitted to the underside of the boot mat with velcro. It all sits pretty neat and unless you knew the floor was slightly higher you wouldn't be able to tell anything was different. I now have a complete alternative set-up and can return the car after 3 years with its unmolested spacesaver and tool kit.

Edited 14 July, 20169 yr by jagdad