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MG MGF Technical - Spare Tyre Dilemma

What is the best advice concerning the spare tyre now that MGR does not give one as standard with the car.

A) Buy one
B) Use the supplied can of tyre sealant as and when needed.
C) Enrol on some mobile emergency tyre scheme if one exists.

also, can I use the now vacant space to store things, and does it need some kind of heat protective liner?
Trev

Best option, and what I am considering doing, is A.
Appart from a wheel, you also need a tyre, a jack, a wheel brace and one of those plastic nuts with the thread sticking out to hold the spare in place.
Don't know how difficult it is to get holt of a 16" wheel to fit over the AP brakes.
Perhaps you could find 3 other people (you, me + 2 others?)who want a spare, then buy a set from the MGF centre, and split them between you?
Not sure they would be keen on spliting a set.
Steve White

I agree with Steve - option A is easily the best option.

Buy all the necessary bits and bobs that Steve mentions too - MGF Centre should be able to help here.

Tricky bit comes when you have the AP racing brakes. I think that Steve's idea of getting a group of four together to buy a set of wheels sounds like an excellent idea - although it may be entirely possible to buy single wheels from a mashed TF.

>>also, can I use the now vacant space to store things, and does it need some kind of heat protective liner? <<

Yes, you can - but avoid storing anything too hard - because remember that the spare wheel wheel is in the centre of the front end crash structure. You wouldn't want to be impailed by your own luggage...

No need for a heat reflective liner. However, do remember that the area under the bonnet is not weather proof - so use either weather proof bags, or store items that are impervious to water...
Rob Bell

I'm not sure the the tyres are identical front and back. (are they?)

is under the bonnet a cool place (for temperature that is!)

Cheers,
Trev
Trev

>>I'm not sure the the tyres are identical front and back. (are they?)<<

No, and they are an asymetrical pattern too. Choose a tyre, and use the wheel as you would a 'space saver' - ie drively very cautiously with a moderate speed limit applied.
Rob Bell

Trophy Spare wheel/tyre is the size as fitted to the Front.
As for spare Trophy Wheels I got my last one from MS, sprayed it silver and fitted in place of a Thru'penny bit I had on the NS rear.
usual thing drive slowly if fitted to the rear, also in the wet if wrong rotation.
As for Heat I've not noticed a build up in the front it safely carried chocolates last year and wine and ...
a spare wheel there is space in there for many things.
I know MGR say it is a crush zone but I don't think the spare crushes down much anyway.
Mike
Mike

>> ie drively very cautiously with a moderate speed limit applied <<

Is that possible in your case Rob? LOL

STU
S.C. Dickens

if the front's cooler than the back then it's definitely the place for chocolates and frozen shopping, just don't want to scratch the nice paint work that's all. Time permitting, I'm going to do some phoning 'round tomorrow to see about an emergency mobile tyre service.
Trev

The AA offer tyre insurance at £36.00 a year to a maximum of £100 per tyre x 4. The downside is they operate only within office hours 9 - 5 Monday to Friday. tel 0800 917 0862

Alternatively, the AA mobile tyre service will come out and replace or repair a tyre like for like, in a road-safe place and give a complete service excluding tracking. Most expensive scenario, for a front tyre on my car would cost £118.71. The rear are just over £10 cheaper. This is a 24 hour service, but again there is an additional charge for out of office hours. Price includes a 10% member discount. tel 0845 850 0142

Trev.
Trev

>>Is that possible in your case Rob? LOL<<

Cheeky! ;o))
Rob Bell

Why not just use the kit supplied (sealant and compressor) if a apuncture occurs and then travel (albeit slowly) to nearest tyre repair shop?
I have done this for many years, with a B, when I needed more space in boot, and (touching wood firmly) have never had a problem...or a puncture for that matter
Blue Max

The kit supplied only works if the hole is less then 3mm.
If it is larger then that or you have a blow out, the kit is completely useless.
A tyre that has had the kit used on it is scrap, so carring a spare could save you money in the long run.
The spare also acts as crash protection in a front ender.
Steve White

This thread was discussed between 16/04/2003 and 18/04/2003

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