pods,
really ar didnt knw tht leh? all i knw is cant be more than 80km/h
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpr...avers_safe.htmlYou're in - News: Auto Express News
Are space-savers safe?
Traditional spare tyres are becoming a thing of the past – but can you rely on the skinny rubber in your car’s boot? We put it to the test...
07th November 2008
If you look in your car’s boot, you’re as likely to find a skinny space-saving wheel as a full-size spare. But if you fit one of these temporary tyres and then forget it’s there – or are simply too lazy to arrange a replacement – it could prove fatal.
Tyre fitters have complained before to Auto Express that it’s not uncommon to find worn-out space-savers on some reckless motorists’ cars – conclusive proof that the tyres are being driven further than their advised 50-mile limit.
In 2000, a group of youngsters was killed in a crash in east London as their space-saver couldn’t handle an emergency manoeuvre. So, drivers ignore these tyres’ limitations at their peril. However, the introduction of an all-new space-saver, with a higher 80mph speed rating, looks set to shake up the industry. While European law forbids you from driving at more than 50mph on any temporary spare, whatever the claimed limit, this higher-speed capability should make the new version a safer option. Auto Express decided to find out.
We put the new product to the test in a head-to-head with a 50mph spare, plus two other puncture repair solutions. We looked at grip and how each tyre affected a car’s handling in an emergency – and were shocked by the results. Whereas the 50mph version provided seven per cent less grip, the 80mph variant was no worse than a standard tyre – and in some instances stuck to the road better!
How we did it
To do the tests, we went to the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA)proving grounds in Warwickshire with four cars, each fitted with a different tyre set-up. Our Subaru Justy came with a 50mph space-saver, a Renault Laguna had the new 80mph tyre, a MINI Clubman featured run-flats and a VW Passat CC was fitted with new self-sealing rubber.
We drove each model on its standard tyres and then with its replacements. Behind the wheel was Auto Express road tester and in-house racing driver, Owen Mildenhall, plus consumer editor and tyre guru Kim Adams. Between them, they took each car on a timed lap around a soaking wet circle with a 56-metre radius, in order to measure grip – you can see the results on Page 36. The pair then subjected the vehicles to a high-speed lane change to replicate an emergency manoeuvre on the motorway. Each car was driven on standard tyres, then with the alternative rubber on the front and then on the rear. Here are our findings:
50mph space-saver
First to be tested was the space-saver on our long-term Subaru Justy. This skinny, lightweight wheel is designed to help the car limp to the nearest garage at a maximum of 50mph. It’s also found in the boot of one-third of all new models, as our investigation in Issue 982 revealed. At 6cm thinner than the standard wheel, it looked less grippy. We tried the standard tyres first, heading towards a cone barrier at 50mph. The manoeuvre was a white-knuckle ride; but when we switched the front left wheel to the space-saver, the car fish-tailed in both directions.
When we tried the run with the space-saver on the rear, even expert road tester Owen couldn’t stop the Justy spinning through 180 degrees. We then attempted the lane change at a reckless 65mph: the Subaru made it through, but only an expert driver with several practice runs under his belt could have done it.
As our results reveal, the loss of grip was reflected by the Justy’s wet circle lap time. With the space-saver on the front left, it took 31.21 seconds – two seconds slower than with the standard rubber.
Read more:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpr...l#ixzz1Xop3ZhX6another:
http://www.tyrepower.com.au/space_saver.aspxTemporary use spare tyres or space savers are specially constructed spare tyre and rim combinations provided by vehicle manufacturers as standard equipment in many vehicles.
These spares are lighter and smaller than those which you normally see fitted to motor cars.
Temporary use spare tyres are generally recognizable by their unusual design (yellow rim) and compact size.
Some notes to remember when using a Temporary Spare:
1. Fit only the temporary use spare tyres provided by the vehicle manufacturer for your vehicle model. (Replacement tyres offered by reputable tyre companies may also be used provided they match the original equipment specifications.)
2. Temporary use spare tyres are not designed to travel long distances. If you are unsure of the condition of the space saver spare tyre, check it before driving the car.
3. Do not attempt to fit a temporary use spare tyre to any other rim.
4. Use the temporary use spare tyre strictly in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
Carefully observe the manufacturer's recommendations for any limits on speed, tyre pressure, load and safe travel distance. Note inflation pressure will not be the same for the temporary spare as the primary tyre. This information can be found either on a placard near the spare tyre or in the vehicle handbook.
Added on September 13, 2011, 4:27 pmlike tht for saving space and lighter better dun use at all, just get the anti leak/foam to seal it when punctured
This post has been edited by DM3: Sep 13 2011, 04:27 PM