Towing in Europe with a spacesaver wheel fitted to
22 replies
peedee replied on 20/12/2022 10:09
JVB66 replied on 20/12/2022 11:20
eurortraveller replied on 20/12/2022 13:09
Posted on 20/12/2022 09:59 by DougCulrossCan anyone clarify, is it legal for you to tow a caravan in Europe if you have to fit a spacesaver tyre to the tow car?
Thanks for any guidance.
Doug Culross
Lutz replied on 20/12/2022 13:18
Posted on 20/12/2022 13:18
I know of no other restriction than that a space saver wheel is intended only for emergency use to get one to the nearest tyre dealer, but not to complete the journey.
Why should towing be an issue? One must exceed the axle and hence the tyre load limits whether towing or not.
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Lutz replied on 20/12/2022 13:37
EmilysDad replied on 20/12/2022 13:53
Posted on 20/12/2022 10:09 by peedeeI have read that in some countries, cannot remember which one/s that is is not acceptable to have different makes of tyres on the same axle so I suspect in some countries it would not be accepted. Perhaps Lutz may know the answer.
peedee
Posted on 20/12/2022 13:53
you can not mix tyre/wheel sizes on the same axle here in Blighty .... & chances are, a space saver will be different from those already fitted to the car.
As Lutz says, space savers are intended for emergency use only though at silly o'clock on a Saturday night, completing the journey with the space save is likely to be your only option. Also, you're unlikely to wait a couple of days outside a FeuVert while they order your odd ball/uncommon sized tyre.
Lutz replied on 20/12/2022 14:50
richardandros replied on 20/12/2022 15:28
Posted on 20/12/2022 15:28
"As Lutz says, space savers are intended for emergency use only though at silly o'clock on a Saturday night, completing the journey with the space save is likely to be your only option. Also, you're unlikely to wait a couple of days outside a FeuVert while they order your odd ball/uncommon sized tyre."
Totally agree ED - which is why - although I accept it's completely 'over the top' - I carry a full size spare on a roof rack on my Touareg.
eurortraveller replied on 20/12/2022 15:35
Posted on 20/12/2022 15:35
It all depends where you are and when. Winter tyres marked for Mud and Snow are required until 31 March in the areas marked on this map of France. Other countries have their own rules too. I have no idea whether a space saver tyre is compliant.
Gallery
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Lutz replied on 20/12/2022 19:04
Posted on 20/12/2022 15:35 by eurortravellerIt all depends where you are and when. Winter tyres marked for Mud and Snow are required until 31 March in the areas marked on this map of France. Other countries have their own rules too. I have no idea whether a space saver tyre is compliant.
Posted on 20/12/2022 19:04
Of course a space saver is not compliant, but as it’s only intended for limited use in an emergency it doesn’t have to be.
The same applies to a breakdown vehicle towing a vehicle which has at least one axle in contact with the road. The towed vehicle would theoretically have to fulfil the requirements relating to trailers, but as it’s for emergency use only it is temporarily exempt.
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DougCulross
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