Spare wheel ZS EV

[FrankCarlus]

I couldn't source an MG 'genuine' space saver spare locally in Australia, and I think the absence of a spare is a significant shortcoming particularly if you mostly drive on rural roads. So after doing a bit of 'google research' I think I've solved it. I got a VW Golf MK5 space saver spare which fits perfectly and VW studs, made some adjustments to the polystyrene insert to fit an MG scissor jack and related tools, plus the original inflator and goo cannister - the latter is what you may call a Belt and Braces approach. So here's the result.

 

[Alb]

Did you consider a full size spare?

 

[Lovemyev]

Did you consider a full size spare?

If you use a full size spare, you loose the facility to use the boot floor cover on its lowest setting and therefore you loose boot capacity space.
If that is not a problem, then go for it !.
Loosing that space on the off chance you may need a quick ride to the tyre shop was not worth it for me.
I would compromise and use the space saver and retain the extra space myself ?.

 

[Lovemyev]

I couldn't source an MG 'genuine' space saver spare locally in Australia, and I think the absence of a spare is a significant shortcoming particularly if you mostly drive on rural roads. So after doing a bit of 'google research' I think I've solved it. I got a VW Golf MK5 space saver spare which fits perfectly and VW studs, made some adjustments to the polystyrene insert to fit an MG scissor jack and related tools, plus the original inflator and goo cannister - the latter is what you may call a Belt and Braces approach. So here's the result.

Hi @FrankCarlus .
Great job by the way !.
I can see what looks like a orange extension cable behind the spare wheel ?.
Idea - Maybe wind / coil the extension around the outside of the space saver ?.
This will help stop the cable twisting into knots etc.
I do this with my type 2 cable in my car.
Very neat and tidy and keeps the cable in great shape.

 

[Alb]

If you use a full size spare, you loose the facility to use the boot floor cover on its lowest setting and therefore you loose boot capacity space.
If that is not a problem, then go for it !.
Loosing that space on the off chance you may need a quick ride to the tyre shop was not worth it for me.
I would compromise and use the space saver and retain the extra space myself ?.

The OP talked about the risk of breakdown on rural roads where you are not likely to find a tyre shop around the next bend. If you look closely at a spacesaver tyre you will see that it has minimal tread and is entirely unsuited for any degree of hard service. If your perceived need is to cover a short distance on good quality tarmac the spacesaver is entirely fit for purpose. Longer distances and more rugged terrain are another matter entirely.

 

[Kithmo]

Don't forget to get the VW wheel bolts which have a different seating profile to the MG bolts, one is taper the other is rounded.

 

[Lovemyev]

The OP talked about the risk of breakdown on rural roads where you are not likely to find a tyre shop around the next bend. If you look closely at a spacesaver tyre you will see that it has minimal tread and is entirely unsuited for any degree of hard service. If your perceived need is to cover a short distance on good quality tarmac the spacesaver is entirely fit for purpose. Longer distances and more rugged terrain are another matter entirely.

Your right of course, I did forget the OP lives down under, where your next tyre shop can be a long drive away !.
In that case bugger the extra space in the boot, go for the full size spare !.
@Kithmo I think he said he already has the VW wheel bolts ?.
Good shout anyway ?.

 

[Spinynorman]

If you use a full size spare, you loose the facility to use the boot floor cover on its lowest setting and therefore you loose boot capacity space.
If that is not a problem, then go for it !.
Loosing that space on the off chance you may need a quick ride to the tyre shop was not worth it for me.
I would compromise and use the space saver and retain the extra space myself ?.

Remember too that extra weight of a full spare would lose you range too.

 

[Alb]

That weight is only the difference between the weight of a space saver and full size wheel. Its effect would not even be measurable.

 

[BruceT]

Some of the comments are a bit unfounded, it looks to me as if this is a brand new space saver tyre, and I think he's done a good job with this, OP says he is driving on rural roads NOT out in the desert, I live in Norfolk.... all rural roads. Also, remember he's still got his goo and compressor. He's only going to be 70 miles(ish) from a charge point, max. so not likely to be out in the outback. I congratulate him for identifying a personal issue and finding a good solution.

Incidentally, I carry one of these kits too. Maybe belt, braces AND a bit of string but they cost about a tenner, the size of a couple of fag packets and weigh nothing.

 

[FrankCarlus]

Did you consider a full size spare?

I did, but I like the extra boot space and I really don't expect to use the spare much. It's also a bit heavier.

 

[FrankCarlus]

The OP talked about the risk of breakdown on rural roads where you are not likely to find a tyre shop around the next bend. If you look closely at a spacesaver tyre you will see that it has minimal tread and is entirely unsuited for any degree of hard service. If your perceived need is to cover a short distance on good quality tarmac the spacesaver is entirely fit for purpose. Longer distances and more rugged terrain are another matter entirely.

The space saver should be good for 50km or so to get to a tyre shop. Not so much out in the outback.

 

[Colin E]

I couldn't source an MG 'genuine' space saver spare locally in Australia, and I think the absence of a spare is a significant shortcoming particularly if you mostly drive on rural roads. So after doing a bit of 'google research' I think I've solved it. I got a VW Golf MK5 space saver spare which fits perfectly and VW studs, made some adjustments to the polystyrene insert to fit an MG scissor jack and related tools, plus the original inflator and goo cannister - the latter is what you may call a Belt and Braces approach. So here's the result.

Great to hear what you have achieved. I happen to have a spare VW space saver from our Golf 20 TDI because we bought a full spare for the Golf. Not making country runs at present, but it's there if I need it.