Quick Tyre question

[rsjg80]

Hi all,

Good start to the New Year - drove over a nail and decided to change the tyre instead of risk driving home with it stuck in as it was hitting the road. Big one too!

Now my question is hopefully fairly quick - the spare in the back of the Renault was clearly new, the jack was still in it's packaging too but is this a true replacement wheel or are they the temporary ones and I need to go buy a new wheel immediately? I've read the figures on the side to the best of my ability in the dark and they seem to be the same as all the others.

Basically - the spare: genuine replacement or temporary solution?

[toptonyb]

hi, i'd say your spare should be used as a temp replacement, get the original one repaired & then refit, that way you know all is well again

[AlexB]

Let's see...

The numbers and letters on the tyre define its type, size, load capacity and speed rating. If the type and size are the same and the load capacity is adequate, then the tyre can be used as replacement. The speed rating is not covered by legal requirements.

Now look at the metal part. It should be of the same geometry as the replaced wheel. In my car the spare wheel is the same as the other four.

On the other hand, you might still want to repair the punctured wheel as driving without a spare is not advisable.

[davelowe]

Good advice already given wrt to not driving without a spare.

For the last couple of weeks, I've been aware of a slow puncture on my almost new rear nearside tyre. Regular free air from the local Sainsbury's kept it between 14 and 30 psi while all the garages were closed over Christmas etc. Today, as with other repairs, I got it fixed. Provided the puncture is near the centre portion of the tread it can be sorted cheaply. For £11.75 incl. VAT they remove the wheel, take the tyre from the rim, remove offending nail/screw, polish the inside of the tyre, apply glue, drill a hole in the puncture, and patch it from the inside with a sticker. Mine was re-inflated, balanced and a new valve attached. It took 30 minutes.

Just watch that they don't take the teeth off your security bolt (if you have alloys) - my chap turned his air compressor to max and virtually wasted it.

If I can't undo it tomorrow with the standard jack kit, I'll sue him!

[Jonault]

It's not very professional of them to use an air ratchet when you have alloy wheels.

[dgh]

Renault had an offer on their web site some time ago offering free puncture repair, air con check or safety check.
these run out at the end of the month.
I have tried to cut and paste but the web site wont let me.