Space saver wheel

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wildy

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Does anyone know where I would be able to purchase a the cheapest space saver wheel, local audi dealer quoted me £160. I am wondering if the skoda or vw space savers are the same size and are cheaper.

The reason is on Friday evening I got a puncture. The audi repair kit didn`t work, audi roadside assistance took 3 hours to get me and my car home. On Saturday I contacted Audi and was informed they don`t keep tyres in stock, however they managed to locate a tyre 40 miles away and a mobile repairman came and fitted it.When the punctured tyre ws taken off the wheel, the inside was like cream of chicken soup and had not even tried to "foam".The new tyre cost £96 pounds !

I will contacting Audi Uk and vent my fury seeking some kind of compensation.

A2 TDi SE
 
Although optional, the space saver wheel is a no cost option on a new car. I would complain that the repair kit is not effective and try to get a space saver wheel as a direct replacement. I was similarly ripped off in an emergency by a VW dealership who charged full price for a Michelin replacement tyre a few years ago - about £120. A local tyre dealer would probably have been your best bet.

My emergency occurred when a large brick appeared from beneath the car in front of me on the motorway just as I moving over to overtake. The alloy was ruined - no amount of foam could have repaired the leak. Also I believe that a damaged sidewall should not be repaired.
I think you are much better off with the space saver.

Not sure about Skoda/Seat/VW space savers, but good luck. £160 is a bit steep!

John (& Mary) Imber 2003 1.4TDI SE, metallic silver, open sky, black leather /alcantara, Bose, ECC, DIS, Winter pack, mud flaps
 
I bought a 15" steel wheel (£35) and 175/60 Continental ECO contact tyre (£60). This has the same rolling circumference as the 16" wheel with the 185/50 tyre. It is slightly larger than the spacesaver but id does fit into the boot although it stands a little proud of the false floor. Advantage is that it is not limited to 50MPH (a spacesaver can be destroyed at speeds above this), so you can drive at normal speed for as long as you want until your puncture gets repaired. To be strictly within the letter of the law, you should attach a label which says something like 50MPH/80KPH max. I saved myself £60 and have a better solution that either the spacesaver or pump up spray. Buy another 3 wheels and tyres (£280) and you have a spare set of winter tyres !!!!

Tino
Dolphin Grey 1.4 SE
 
Wildy, have you considered doing it a different way?,I'll explain.
When I collected my A2 I wasn't too impressed when the salesman showed me the white bottle of tyre sealant and said " If you have a puncture you use this,dead easy". It conjured up images of trying to use the stuff at the side of the road one dark cold night,pouring with rain,or passing through one of those friendly housing estates.Then using the "trick" tyre inflator, assuming theres a tyre left to blow up!.My wife suffered a puncture recently in her Disco which resulted in a new tyre at £75 and damaged rim.(That's 3 new tyres in 3 years from punctures).
To stop all this mularky I've installed the tyres of my A2 and the Disco with "ULTRA SEAL Permanent Puncture Preventative". It cost approx £50 per car and is a doddle to apply. Simply jack up each wheel, remove valve (and of course air!)squeeze in required amount (varies depending on tyre size)replace valve and blow up. You get a bit of vibration for a few miles (normal)and then it stays in for the life of the tyre.Safe up to 150 mph and seals punctures as they happen. You can even have the stuff applied at home by the supplier.
For more info (I've no connection with the company by the way) you could ring 0870 240 1280 ( a friend of mine bought his from a supplier in London called Bob Porecha 0208 659 8860 - you need 2 bottles) or try www.ultraseal.biz--ie shop around for best price.
Regards JohnW. 2002 TDI SE (anybody want a bottle of tyre sealant!, going cheap!)
 
JohnW

Sounds good but would it be best to say inspect your tires every so often in case a nail is stuck in?. Or is it really that good?.

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit
 
Hi,

I always get a little bit frightened when I read this...I'm going on my skiing vacation soon and we are driving through germany at night.
The last thing I'm waiting for is a flat tire at night....

I think I'll ask the dealer if I can borrow a spacesaver wheel, or maybe rent it..

Dennis de Held

Amulet Red 1.4 Tdi
 
Wildy

We went for the space saver because my wife had a similar experience in a 206CC (the man from the AA refused to use the repair kit).

You can probably get them from a good tyre distributor - it is made by Vredestein, can get you the size if you need it. If you look at related posts others have assembled their own spare but you need to watch the sizes to stay legal.

Ian

2002 1.4 Petrol SE, silver with climate control.
Why are NEARLY all the A2s in Lichfield are silver ? ? ?
 
Yes I think that It IS that good.
Ultra Seal claim that punctures made by objects up to 6mm in dia will be repaired for the life of the tyre, and in the event of a puncture made by something larger,it will provide protection against rapid deflation.Ultra Seal also claim tyre life to be extended by up to 30%.This is something to do with the heat transfer from the tread to the wheel rim. I read of a motorcyclist having returned from a 20000 mile trip over some of the worst roads in the Middle East and Asia,having new tyres fitted, found he'd got 12 punctures!,he hadn't felt !.
If you found a nail in the tyre, there would be a slight loss of pressure when removed, but it would seal.
And what happens if you puncture your spare?.Fair enough of course, some punctures can be repaired, but some tyre centres refuse if tyre sealant has been used.And how much for a new wheel, if damaged?.
The aspect that appeals to me the most is the reduction in the risk of blow outs at speed. Peace of mind.
Regards JohnW. 2002 TDI SE.
 
Thanks all for the advice. Today I contacted Audi Uk customer services who although the manager sounded sympathetic to my complaint, I was informed that I will have to take the matter up with my local dealer who sold me the car. No problem I told them, but I informed them if I get no joy here with the manager I will be serving a summons on him ( £5 pounds to have the summons against £160 space saver and more importantly, PRINCIPLE ) as I do intend to seek compensation through the small claims court. The manager at Audi UK suddenly went all quiet.
However as this could be a long drwan out process I will check with local tyre dealers on the cost of one of their space savers.
I am sceptical over the preventative tyre seal, as it must effect handling of the car.


A2 TDi SE, opensky,cc,DIS,syphony audio
 
Tino

The reason for the speed limit on the space saver is that, being different to the tyre on the other side of the car, it behaves differently under cornering and braking loads. If you have to use your unofficial spare apply the limits as set for the space saver.

Ian

2002 1.4 Petrol SE, silver with climate control.
Why are NEARLY all the A2s in Lichfield are silver ? ? ?
 
John

Thanks for the information - looks like I have found this years xmas present for my wife, may need to get her something she will appreciate as well!

Ian

2002 1.4 Petrol SE, silver with climate control.
Why are NEARLY all the A2s in Lichfield are silver ? ? ?
 
Good News :D Spoke to the managing director of my local audi dealer.After listening to my complaint, he has promised to refund the cost of the new tyre and also provide me free of charge with a space saver wheel. I can`t ask any better than that can I ? or shouls I also ask for replacement tyre sealant ;)

A2 TDi SE, opensky,cc,DIS,syphony audio
 
The use of Ultra Seal will not in any way affect the handling of any vehicle to which it has been applied.
After application, and driving/ riding a few miles, cetrifugal force causes the solution to completely coat the inner surface of the tyre with a liquid "inner tube" 2-3mm thick. This remains in liquid form for the legal life of the tyre, not breaking up under the shear forces generated at speed. There is no imbalance problems, because the solution does'nt sit in the bottom of the tyre in a "pool". It does'nt block the valve.
When I bought my A2 it had a slow puncture in the front offside tyre, and was going down at the rate of 5-10 psi a week. Since I've put the Ultra Seal in the pressure has stayed smack on!I've heard of treated tyres being "stabbed" all day with steel spikes during demonstration events, with neglible loss of pressure.
In fact if anybody in my area (Lichfield Aldridge )wants a hand sticking the stuff in, ( I've got a workshop compresser)They could even come to me. It would be a pleasure, and I'd get to meet other A2 owners!.
Regards John W. 2002 TDI SE.
 
When I bought mine, I was really sceptical of the repair kit. I spoke to a couple of mechanics and recovery people with mixed reactions, but generally OK. I was swayed by the fact that the repair kit will do 2 tyres and having been in the 2 flat tyred situation before made me stick with the kit. It is a tough call, every situation is different. The ultra seal sounds great.

Does it matter weather you are changing a tyre or squirting in gunk, in the pouring rain, I'll always call those lovely men at the RAC!!!

Fi

2002 TDi Sport Cobalt Blue
 
Today I recieved a full refund on the new tyre and also as a goodwill gesture a space saving wheel. I am obviously now very satisfied with the Audi aftersales service.

A2 TDi SE, opensky,cc,DIS,syphony audio
 
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