Where's the best place to fit a space saver?

My mum has just had a flat tyre on the front on her Jaguar X-Type. She called the AA and asked them to fit the space saver spare to the back and fit the back wheel to the front, but he refused.

I am concerned that with all the power and steering going through the front and the massive difference in tyre widths that is is unsafe. I know the speed is only 50 mph with a space saver but even at low speeds it is going to handle very badly. Am I right to be concerned or was the AA guy right?

Asked on 24 March 2014 by Andrew2014

Answered by Honest John

A space saver is only a 'get you home' or 'get you to the tyre dealer' emergency solution. It is not intended to be used on a daily basis. But since it is a restricted speed temporary spare it can go on the front. A warning rarely given is that not only will handling and roadholding suffer, so will braking, particularly on a wet road where the stopping distance could double.

Tags: space saver wheels and tyres technical issues

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