Spare wheel: What you need to know

The spare wheel is one of the most important pieces of equipment for vehicle safety; it is designed to replace a punctured or damaged tyre. It is usually located in the boot or under the vehicle. Depending on the model, there may be a full-size wheel like the others on your car. There may also be a smaller version, known as a space-saver, intended for short-distance emergency use.

The full-size spare wheel

A full-size spare wheel is identical to the other wheels on the vehicle. It has a rim and a tyre of the same dimensions. It allows you to replace a punctured tyre without particular restrictions, whether in terms of speed or distance travelled.

Do not confuse a full-size spare wheel with a spare tyre only. A spare tyre only refers to the tyre without a rim. It therefore cannot be used immediately after a puncture, because it must first be mounted, inflated and balanced on a suitable rim.

Benefits of the full-size spare wheel

The full-size spare wheel offers several advantages:

• Immediate use: it is already mounted on a rim and inflated, allowing you to replace a punctured tyre without delay.
• Ease of use: once fitted, the wheel fully replaces the unusable one.
• Same comfort and safety: it provides the same handling, braking and comfort performance as the other wheels on the vehicle.

For motorists who drive long distances or travel in rural areas, it remains the most reliable solution.

Drawbacks of the full-size spare wheel

Despite its strengths, it also has limitations:

• Bulk: a full-size wheel takes up space in the boot.
• Manual fitting: you need a jack and a wheel brace, as well as a minimum level of know-how to fit the spare wheel.
• Maintenance: the spare wheel must be inflated and in good condition, which many drivers neglect.

Our safety tips

• Check your spare wheel's pressure at least twice a year.
• Make sure the jack and wheel brace are present in your boot.
• If you use a space-saver, strictly observe the speed restrictions.

How to fit a spare wheel in a few steps

Changing a wheel isn’t difficult, but it does require a methodical approach:

• Step 1: Park the vehicle on stable, level ground, preferably away from traffic.
• Step 2: Warn other road users by switching on your hazard warning lights.
• Step 3: Take out the jack, wheel brace and spare wheel.
• Step 4: Loosen the wheel nuts on the flat tyre slightly.
• Step 5: Position the jack at the manufacturer’s jacking point and raise the vehicle.
• Step 6: Remove the nuts and the damaged wheel.
• Step 7: Fit the spare wheel, positioning it correctly.
• Step 8: Hand-tighten the nuts, lower the car, then tighten the nuts securely.

It is advisable to visit a professional promptly to repair or replace the damaged tyre.

Alternatives to the spare wheel

The space-saver wheel

A space-saver spare is a temporary emergency wheel, narrower and lighter than a standard wheel.

Designed to take up less space in the boot, it allows you to drive after a puncture, but only for a short distance and at reduced speed. The speed is generally limited to a maximum of 80 km/h. Its purpose is to get you as far as a garage to repair or replace the damaged tyre.

Repair kit

A repair kit is a compact device that allows you to temporarily seal a puncture without having to replace the wheel. It usually consists of a sealant and a compressor. This system plugs the puncture and reinflates the tyre so you can get back on the road.

Note that a repair kit is a temporary solution. It is intended for a short distance only. You should then have the damaged tyre repaired or replaced.

Tyre repair spray

Tyre repair spray is an emergency solution mainly suited to small perforations or minor punctures in the tyre. It is used by injecting the product directly into the tyre via the valve. The liquid temporarily seals the puncture while the gas partially reinflates the tyre, allowing you to set off again immediately.

This solution is convenient and quick, but still temporary. It is designed for only a few dozen kilometres, just enough to reach a professional to repair or replace the damaged tyre.

Run-flat tyres

A run-flat tyre is designed to keep rolling even in the event of pressure loss or a puncture. With reinforced sidewalls, it can support the vehicle’s weight without air. This allows you to drive between 50 and 80 km at a reduced speed. This system offers added safety and avoids stopping immediately on the road to change a wheel.

FAQ

Is it compulsory to have a spare wheel in your vehicle in Europe?

Contrary to popular belief, a spare wheel is not compulsory in most European countries. The law does not require a spare wheel (but the driver must be able to deal with a puncture using an appropriate solution).

Can you drive with a spare wheel?

Yes. A full-size wheel can be used normally. A space-saver, however, is only suitable for short journeys at reduced speed.

Does a spare wheel in the boot wear out?

No, a spare wheel stored in the boot does not wear in terms of tread wear, as long as it is not used.

However, some elements age over time, even without driving:

• Air pressure gradually drops, so you should check and reinflate the wheel every 3 to 6 months.
• The tyre rubber can deteriorate with age, especially if the wheel is exposed to heat, humidity or temperature fluctuations (cracking, hardening).
• The rim can also oxidise slightly over time.