Most vehicles don’t come with a spare wheel these days. When new, there may be an option to have one fitted in the boot (trunk). Many spare wheels are now classed as ‘Space Savers’. These often have a smaller width than the wheels fitted as standard. Plus, there is not always space to carry a spare, (you’ll need to check in your boot or trunk?).
I’m puzzled why spares aren’t supplied with a new vehicle? Tires still get punctures. Potholes can cause damage to tires and these are on the increase? I presume it’s a cost saving scheme from the manufacturer’s perhaps?
The information in the article below will help anyone trying to identify what spare wheel they may need for their vehicle. Without having to get a ‘direct from the manufacturer’s’ replacement.
Topics:
Notes:
The items listed in this section (directly below) give a quick overview.
Do you have the original manufacturer’s part number? This can help make sure you have the correct spare wheel.
However…
The wheel diameter must be similar to the original wheels that are fitted. Most spares are not identical, but are similar.
For instance:
Bigger wheel rim + Smaller Tire sidewall = Wheel Diameter: 16 + (2+2) = 20
or
Smaller wheel rim + Bigger Tire sidewall = Wheel Diameter: 14 + (3+3) = 20
The wheel hub normally has a slight protrusion, (where the wheel bearings and hub nut are situated). This protrusion usually fits through the wheel center bore hole and also helps position the wheel when lifting into place. If the wheel center bore hole is too small, the wheel won’t fit.
The wheel offset (the distance from the wheel mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel). This is important, as the wheel has to fit over the brake disks, wheel hub, etc.
Do the wheel stud holes and center bore holes line up? Are they the right size?
As an example. A VW Tiguan spare wheel fitment detail is:
It’s also worth noting:
The stamped markings that can often be used to help identify the size of a wheel:
Notes:
Example of the Typical Spare Wheel Part Numbers (for a VW Tiguan):
Suggested Part No’s for a Volkswagen Tiguan mk2 Steel Rim (for a spare wheel only) |
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Item | Part Number | Description | Detail |
1 * | 5QF601027 | Steel rim. | 6,5JX 17H2 ET38 |
2 * | 5QF601027 03C | Black. | |
3 * | 5QF601027A | Steel rim. | 6,5JX 17H2 ET38 |
4 * | 5QF601027A 03C | Black. | |
5 * | 5QF601027B | Steel rim for space-saving emergency wheel. | 4JX 18H2 ET28 |
6 * | 5QF601027B 03C | Rally black. | |
7 * | 5QF601027C | Steel rim for space-saving emergency wheel. | 4JX 18H2 ET28 |
8 * | 5QF601027C 03C | Rally black. | |
9 * | 5N0601027E | This is the part No. for a Tiguan mk1. It does fit other VW group vehicles. The firts 3 digits are the model or engine code. | Please check. |
10 # | 5QF601011C | Replaces Part No.s: 5QF601011 or 5QF601027B 03C |
Just below, is an example of the tyre identification markings, that can be found on the side of a tire. There are often other markings, but theses are the main ones used.
235/50/R19 99V
The latest spare wheels, are often smaller in width than the standard wheels fitted to a vehicle. The diameter should be similar, but the width can be quite a bit less.
As an example… The suggested tyre size for a Tiguan mk2 spare wheel is:
145/80/R18 99M or a 145/85/R18 99M
(There may be other slight differences, as you can sometimes get a smaller width 125/ tire instead of 145/ )
Here the standard wheel had a tyre width of 235mm, whereas the spare wheel tire is 145mm.
Notes:
Nearly all spare wheels have a different tire profile to that on the normal road wheels. So, how do you know if your spare wheel has a similar diameter?
We can calculate it.
Take some typical Tyre markings:
235/50 R19
We can use this to get the diameter of the wheel, (in mm):
Tire Wall height (TW):
Width (W) x Profile % (P) = Tire Wall Height (TW)
235 x 50% = 117.5
Diameter (Steel Wheel) (D):
First get the diameter of the steel wheel in mm, (1 inch = 25.4 mm).
19 (Inches) x 25.4 (mm’s) = 482.6 mm
Then calculate the diameter of the wheel with the tire fitted:
Diameter (steel wheel) D + (Tire Wall height (TW) x 2) = Wheel Diameter (with the tire)
482.6 + (117.5 x 2) = 717.6mm (with the tire)
or 28.25 Inches (with the tire)
——————–
Table Showing Examples of Different Wheel Diameters with the tire (for a VW Tiguan):
Wheel Diameter Comparison (with the tire) | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tire Size | Wheel Size Calculation (with the tire) | ||||||||
Width W mm |
Profile P % |
Diameter D | Tire Wall Height TW W x P |
Wheel Dia (with Tire) D + (TW x 2) |
Dia Difference | ||||
Inch | mm | mm | Inch | ||||||
Standard Wheel Sizes | |||||||||
1 | 215/65 R17 | 215 | 65 | 17 | 431.8 | 215 x 65% = 139.75 |
431.8 + (139.75 x 2) = 711.3 |
– 6.3 | – 0.25 |
3 | 235/55 R18 | 235 | 55 | 18 | 457.2 | 235 x 55% = 129.25 |
457.2 + (129.25 x 2) = 715.7 |
– 1.9 | – 0.07 |
4 | 235/50 R19* | 235 | 50 | 19 | 482.6 | 235 x 50% = 117.5 |
482.6 + (117.5 x 2) = 717.6 |
0* | 0.00* |
5 | 255/40 R20 | 255 | 40 | 20 | 508 | 255 x 40% = 102 |
508 + (102 x 2) = 712 |
– 5.6 | – 0.22 |
6 | 255/35 R21 | 255 | 35 | 21 | 533.4 | 255 x 35% = 89.25 |
533.4 + (89.25 x 2) =711.9 |
– 5.7 | – 0.22 |
Spare Wheel Sizes | |||||||||
7 | 145/80 R18 | 145 | 80 | 18 | 457.2 | 145 x 80% = 116 |
457.2 + (116 x 2) = 689.2 |
– 28.4 | – 1.12 |
8 | 145/85 R18 | 145 | 85 | 18 | 457.2 | 145 x 85% = 123.25 |
457.2 + (123.25 x 2) = 703.7 |
– 13.9 | – 0.55 |
If you have a spare wheel, you will need the tools to jack the vehicle up and undo the wheel nuts \ bolts. There are a few things to consider…
Here is an example of the typical additional items that may be needed, (for a VW Tiguan mk2):
If you’re not sure what you need, sometimes it’s a good idea to have a look? The list below may give you an idea of what’s available, what to look for, and how much the part might cost…
Start by typing in ‘spare wheel’ and the vehicle model name and see what comes up in a search. Use the info above to help make sure you find the right wheel for your vehicle…
How much does a spare wheel, a jack, or a wheel wrench, etc cost?
Spare Wheels, Jacks & Tools (How Much Do They Cost?) |
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Location | Items | ||
Spare Wheels | Vehicle Jack | Tools, Wrenches, etc | |
Spare Wheels | Vehicle Jack | Tools, Wrenches, etc | |
Spare Wheels | Vehicle Jack | Tools, Wrenches, etc | |
Spare Wheels | Vehicle Jack | Tools, Wrenches, etc | |
Spare Wheels | Vehicle Jack | Tools, Wrenches, etc |
Some vehicle manufactures can supply parts to convert your boot \ trunk space to carry the spare wheel. As an example, these are the part numbers for fitting a spare wheel into the boot or trunk, of a VW Tiguan mk2.
Topics:
Interior Trim:
Wheel Fixings (for securing the wheel in the boot\trunk):
– click or tap any image to view full size –