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Spare wheel query
Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2018 11:25 am
by Alkers
I have four alloys on my van with 205/60/16 96H all round.
Then I have the stock space saver spare but I also have my old set of steel wheels. Two of these have 205/65/15 94H (thread wearing thin) on them and the other two have 215/65/15 100H (good thread).
Am I best off in keeping the space saver or would any of my steel wheels be any use as a spare instead?
Re: Spare wheel query
Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2018 11:50 am
by g8dhe
Your space saver is most likely 15 to 20+ years old, a couple of people have reported putting an old one on and it bursting when lowered off the jack!
Re: Spare wheel query
Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2018 11:52 am
by Alkers
Yes that's probably true - so if it's the best option to keep the space saver, I probably need to get a new tyre for it.
My question was more aimed at which would be the best wheel to use as a spare given that none of them match with the wheels on the van.
Re: Spare wheel query
Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2018 12:52 pm
by TheLongRoad
If it's a two wheel drive I don't think the rolling diameter is that critical. However if it's 4WD then it is. The space saver as has been said will be old - I tried without success to find a replacement spacesaver tyre. If anyone knows where to source on that would be handy. Otherwise, yes a full size rim will give you the option of a new budget tyre to sling under the Bongo.
Re: Spare wheel query
Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2018 4:51 pm
by Tony x
205 65 R15 are 0.8% smaller
215 65 R15 are 1.2% bigger
195 70 R15 are exactly the same size.
I can't quite remember but even with the 4WD, Mazda supplied front tyres that were a different diameter by around 0.8%
Of course the above calculations only apply to shiney new tyres.
Personally I'd use the 215 65 R15's if 2WD or fit a 195 70 R15 (buy a part worn one to match your presumably part worn tyres on your 16" wheels) if 4WD
Re: Spare wheel query
Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2018 5:42 pm
by haydn callow
I would use one of my old steel wheels as a very temp spare.....space savers are not ideal and probably have a different diameter anyway.
Re: Spare wheel query
Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2018 6:09 pm
by Alkers
I'm now thinking I'll try and pickup another 16" wheel and get a cheap tyre on it and flog the full set of 15" and the space saver.
I've come across a suitable 205 55 16 for cheap

Re: Spare wheel query
Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2018 12:23 am
by Northern Bongolow
I would make sure it's load rated for the bongo, 16 inch are usually mazda car wheels and may not be strong enough for your bongo.