A space saver tyre is a smaller, lightweight spare designed to get you back on the road after a puncture — but only temporarily. In this guide, we explain how space saver tyres work, the ideal pressure (typically 60 PSI) to store them at, and key safety limits every driver should know before using one.
If you’re driving and suddenly hit a pothole or debris, the chances of suffering a puncture are high.
Not only does a puncture render a tyre unable to be driven on without repair, but it can also lead to a loss of control which is difficult to navigate.
For drivers who are worried about the potential risk of a flat tyre or puncture while driving, there are several things that can be done to mitigate the risk. One of these is having a spare tyre stored inside the car, which can be switched out for the damaged tyre if needed.
A space saver tyre is a specific type of spare tyre which, unsurprisingly, saves space. Here’s how it works…
The Definition of a Space Saver Tyre
A space saver tyre is a form of spare tyre which is both smaller and lighter than a regular tyre. It is designed as a temporary measure and can at least get a vehicle back on the road at a limited speed and for a limited driving distance, until a more permanent solution can be sorted.
For those with smaller vehicles, or limited storage space in the car, opting for a space saver tyre means that you can still fit other items in the boot space – while ensuring a get-out option in the face of a puncture or blowout.
But there are considerations you need to make – both to driving behaviour and space saver tyre maintenance.
What Limitations Do You Need to Consider When Using a Spare Tyre?
Spare tyres are designed to get drivers back on the road following a puncture or blowout.
However, because of their design and smaller size, they are not fit for regular driving – rather, drivers need to limit both the distance of travel and the speed to travel in order to ensure their safety.
Spare tyres can be driven at a maximum speed of 50mph, with travel ideally limited to within 50 miles before you stop and repair or replace the damaged tyre.
This is particularly important when dealing with space saver spares, because these are purposely smaller and are only a very temporary measure.
What Pressure Does a Space Saver Tyre Need to Be?
This is where space saver tyres start to really differ from standard spare tyres.
If you have the space and interior capacity for a standard spare tyre, then this should be maintained at a pressure that matches your other vehicle tyres. Because standard spare tyres are the same size as your regular tyres, they need to hold the same amount of air.
However, because space saver tyres are notably smaller, they require more in the way of air and so should be kept at a much higher internal pressure.
This is because space saver tyres still have to hold the weight of the vehicle despite their smaller size and so need the extra air to keep them safely inflated.
Most space saver tyres are recommended for storing and using at a 60 PSI inflation, or 4 BAR.
