Mercedes space saver spare wheel replaced by a real spare wheel
W212 space saver is 4.00 17H2 ET39 with a 155/70 R17 tyre speed limited to 80 km/h
A 4 inch rim and minimal tyre tread depth means poor wet road grip
It is less than half of my wheels, 8.5 inch front and 9.5 inch back
Road surface contact is approximately half
A capital city 1000 km away, means you would drive at 80 km/h for 12 hours
To me, the space saver spare wheel is not fit for purpose
Solution:
The spare wheel well isn’t deep but will accept a 205 tyre
A 7.5 inch rim will take a 205 tyre
My wheels are ET48
I found a rim 17 inch 7.5J ET47 A2044018002
A Pirelli 205/55 R17 is close to the correct circumference with small speedo error
It fits in the wheel well and the tool carrier fits inside the rim.
The problem still remains that my 19 inch wheel with a 245 or 275 flat tyre won’t fit in the wheel well properly.
But when you find somewhere to fix it, it will be back on the car anyway.
Now I can drive a long distance to get it fixed or replaced
without driving on a junk spare wheel
On long distance I carry emergency DIY tire sealer kit ( also a compressor ) and the true professional tire sealer kit by German Rema TipTop
But that means I must go to a tire shop if I need to use the professional tire sealer kit. Assuming nail only puncture at a repair-able spot on the tire.
My long distance is Jakarta - Bali - Jakarta and at least 3 - 4 weeks in Bali, hence I carry lots of "what-if" scenario parts.
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