A little-known motoring mistake could trigger a police stop – but drivers have been left scratching their heads about the rules, according to an expert
A lesser-known motoring blunder could land you in trouble with police – leaving drivers baffled about the regulations, an expert has warned. Numerous vehicles carry what’s known as a ‘space saver’ tyre in the boot for puncture emergencies.
It’s a temporary replacement which is smaller and lighter than a standard wheel, meant to get you to a repair shop. When fitted, a vehicle is usually limited to a top speed of 50mph.
However, there’s another regulation about space saver tyres that few motorists grasp, according to guidance from UK vehicle leasing company Select Car Leasing. Many space saver tyres can only be used at either the front or at the back of the vehicle, depending on what sort of car you’ve got and whether it’s front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive.
That’s because the so-called ‘donut’ tyres can interfere with brakes, damage transmission and lead to compromised steering when used on the front wheels.
Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, explained: “A lot of modern cars have done away with space saver tyres and instead come with a tyre repair and inflation kit. But if you do have a space saver you need to understand the safest way to use it should the worst happen.
“Some space saver tyres come with specific rules about where they can be fitted and you might be restricted in using them at either the front or at the rear of the vehicle. Check the instructions carefully, consult a trusted mechanic and understand what sort of space saver you’re carrying before you set off on a long summer road trip.”
Guidance from The AA
Breakdown experts the AA warn that “use of the temporary spare may be restricted to ‘front only’ or ‘back only’ for safety reasons”.
Additional specialists recommend that if you suffer a flat front tyre – and your vehicle is front-wheel drive – you should move a rear tyre to the front and then position the space saver at the back to ensure the broadest, most grippy tyres remain on the front.
Mr Conway said: “To even contemplate using a space saver, you need to be confident in your ability to change a tyre in the first place. Never change a tyre at the side of a motorway as it’s just too dangerous. Contact a breakdown service instead.
“Space saver tyres, wherever they’re fitted, are a temporary measure only, designed to get you back on the road and to the nearest place of repair or replacement.”
While not against the law, having a space saver mounted on the incorrect axle could result in police pulling you over to offer guidance.
Select Car Leasing said: “If you’re driving with a space saver fitted, proceed with extreme caution, as your car’s handling capabilities will be highly compromised.”