Spacesavers On Rear Only

[cootuk]

I got a puncture on a front wheel (Gen II, 16")

The manual doesn't state anything about not fitting spacesavers to the front.

I know a garage on the way home so thought I would throw the spacesaver on the front for a few miles.

Big mistake - the traction control light was permanently flashing and you could feel it cutting in to reduce power once you got over 20mph.

Now i have a couple of junctions uphill that i wouldn't want to get stuck on with a traction control fault, plus the drivetrain must be stressed with traction control permanently on.

Fix - fit spacesaver onto rear wheel and put the rear tyre onto the front.

Bit of a faff but then the front has two similar sized tyres.

[Chris Dance]

I did not realise you could not use the space saver wheel on the front. Thanks for the tip. You would think there would be a warning about this in the manual.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

I've driven with one on the front of my gen3 and no traction control issues. You wouldn't want to go over 50 mph or take a corner quickly though.

Are you sure the tyre was pumped up correctly? I think they have to be some ridiculous psi (50psi? or more?) and if it had never been pumped up since the car was made, then it could have lost a lot of pressure.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

I've driven with one on the front of my gen3 and no traction control issues. You wouldn't want to go over 50 mph or take a corner quickly though.

Are you sure the tyre was pumped up correctly? I think they have to be some ridiculous psi (50psi? or more?) and if it had never been pumped up since the car was made, then it could have lost a lot of pressure.

[Chris Dance]

I think the use of the space saver needs clarifying. I think my son had to put his space saver on the front of his Gen 2 a while ago. I will check with him. Space saver does have a recommended high pressure. I had the dealer check the space saver pressure on my car at the recent service.

[cootuk]

aha...30pis rather than 60psi - tbh I've only looked at the spare when we bought the car and don't think I've ever checked the pressure. I guess it doesn't get checked during the service either.

That could explain things.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

Top tip for everyone out there - go check your spare tyre pressure. You don't want to find out its flat the hard way!

If it's a space saver then it'll be about 60 psi - though obviously double check if you don't have a Prius.

[cootuk]

At least it wasn't a spray can of gunk.

[Cyker]

If you're getting it serviced at a Toyota dealer, pull them up on this. Checking the space saver is, IIRC, part of the major service (I only know that because my boot was totally messed up after my major service and one of the boot liner hooks had been damaged due to them taking it out to check the spacesaver tread and pressures!)

[Chris Dance]

Yes my son did use his space saver on the front of his GEN 2. He had to restrict his speed but all was OK. I think if there was a restriction on its use it would be in the manual. I am glad that is sorted. I always ask for the space saver pressure to be checked at service.

[Red Yaris 54]

The handbook of my New Verso S recommends that the space saver is NOT used on the front wheels

It is suggested that if the front wheel is punctured that the same side rear be placed on the front and the space saver on the rear

My New Verso S T-Spirit was supplied with no space saver spare but a compressor and can of sealer........I purchased a space saver wheel and tyre as the compressor and sealer are no good if I split a sidewall .......(Just wanted peace of mind)

[cootuk]

I wonder just how sensitive the traction control is to these...could also be my 205 profile tyres having an effect too.

[driverandrews]

I hate spacesavers, nevertheless I've fitted one to my gen2 on the front with no problem whatsoever.

As others have said it must have been the pressure, it should be 60 psi.

[timberwolf]

The Gen 2 traction control is also "tuned" differently from the Gen 3.

[Opifex]

I've driven with one on the front of my gen3 and no traction control issues. You wouldn't want to go over 50 mph or take a corner quickly though.

Are you sure the tyre was pumped up correctly? I think they have to be some ridiculous psi (50psi? or more?) and if it had never been pumped up since the car was made, then it could have lost a lot of pressure.

Good tip!!

I checked my space saver today and found the pressure was down to 32psi. I don't thnk it's been out of the boot since the car was made.

[Chris Dance]

I have been informed that the space saver is only meant to be used for a short distance at a low speed. Use it only to get to the nearest tyre centre.

[acetip]

As i understand it that space saver wheel can used legaly on the front wheel except when towing. The max speeed by law is 50 mph when using one.

Mind you things may have changed since i gave up caravaning about 5 years ago.