Like a lot of us, my NC doesn’t come with a spare. This has always been a concern so I intend to acquire a full-size one. My tyre/wheel size is 205/45/17.
I’ve been looking for a single wheel (alloy or steel) with a reasonable amount of tread.
My question is this, and it’s one not directly related to the MX5 but to wheel/tyre size matters in general. Do I need to specify solely “205/45/17” when searching or am I able to widen my search by considering other sizes which would do the job?
Thanks.
Hi, I have a 2011 Mk 3.5 with PRHT and for a spare I purchased a Hyundai coupe spacesaver off Ebay, fits a treat and also invested in a space saver wheel bag.
Fitted a strap to stop it moving around so no issues. You just have to remove the tyre inflation kit to get it in. Still plenty of room for a couple of soft bags.
You just need to keep looking for a decent spare it took me about 12 weeks to find one that was as new and unused. Also put a bungy cord in the boot to strap the lid down if I ever need to use the spare and put the original in the boot.
Would that be the first or second generation of Hyundai Coupe? I can see lots of them on Ebay but they are all 16 inch. Would one of these suffice or would I need a 17 inch wheel? (probably a daft question….) Please see my original question as to whether I need a 205/45/17 or whether something else would be appropriate. Thanks.
The 16 inch will do fine in an emergancy. This is the wheel size you need. Also see PM sent with photos and details.
HYUNDAI-COUPE-16-INCH-SPACE-SAVER-WHEEL-T125-70-16-year of manufacture 2002-2009
If you do have a puncture you will not be able to fit the punctured wheel in the boot and will need to carry it in the passenger seat. The chances of you suffering a puncture are rare. I have never had one in an MX5. In the event of a total loss of the tyre the A.A have a spacesaver system that they fit to your car. http://www.theaa.com/newsroom/news-2013/aa-pioneers-universal-spare-wheel.html
If your NC has a Limited Slip Differential (fitted to 2,0 Sport models). Do not use your space-saver on the rear. If you have a rear puncture put a good front wheel on the rear and put the space-saver on the front or you might damage your differential.
If you get a full size spare it will either be in the passenger seat, or on the boot rack, it won’t fit in the boot
As already stated wheel size is 205/45/17 will not fit in the boot sorry.
John
I hadn’t realised that the RAC have available on their breakdown vans a 5-stud (the NC wheels, of course, ARE 5-stud) universal 17 inch light alloy wheel which they use where members don’t have a spare and which they claim fits all 5-studded wheeled cars. Here’s some information about it from the RAC website-
“Where the Universal Spare Wheel is needed, our patrol will fit it swiftly and liaise with the nearest local approved tyre specialist on your behalf to find out what appropriate replacements are available. Payment can be taken at the roadside by the RAC patrol, ensuring you can drive straight to the tyre centre, or book a mobile fitting at your convenience. The RAC will then arrange collection of the spare wheel directly from the tyre centre, avoiding any further inconvenience for you.”
I’ve checked with the RAC and the above applies not only if the tyre is not repairable but also if the tyre is to be repaired.
We’re in the RAC so I think I’ll bin the idea of sourcing a spare for the MX5 and instead rely on the RAC’s magic wheel!
Thanks for the advice and guidance, guys.