Little-known spare tyre rules could lead to police trouble

This little-known motoring mistake could trigger a police stop - but drivers have been left scratching their heads about the rules. Many cars carry what's called a 'space saver' tyre in the boot for puncture-related emergencies.

It's a temporary spare which is smaller and lighter than a standard wheel, designed to get you to a place of repair. When fitted, a car is typically restricted to a maximum speed of 50mph.

But, there's another rule about space saver tyres that few motorists understand, according to advice from leading UK vehicle leasing firm Select Car Leasing.

Many space saver tyres can only be used at either the front or at the back of the vehicle - depending what sort of car you've got and whether it's front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. That's because the so-called 'donut' tyres can interfere with brakes, damage transmission and lead to compromised steering when used on the front wheels.

Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said: "A lot of modern cars have done away with space saver tyres and instead come with a tyre repair and inflation kit. But if you do have a space saver you need to understand the safest way to use it should the worst happen.

"Some space savers tyres come with specific rules about where they can be fitted and you might be restricted in using them at either the front or at the rear of the vehicle. Check the instructions carefully, consult a trusted mechanic and understand what sort of space saver you're carrying before you set off on a long summer road trip."

Breakdown specialists the AA advises that "use of the temporary spare may be restricted to 'front only' or 'back only' for safety reasons." Other experts suggest that if you get a flat front tyre - and your car is front-wheel drive - you should swap a rear tyre to the front and then place the space saver at the rear in order to have the widest, most grippy tyres possible on the front.

Mr Conway added: "To even contemplate using a space saver you need to be confident in your ability to change a tyre in the first place. Never change a tyre at the side of a motorway as it's just too dangerous. Contact a breakdown service instead. Space saver tyres, wherever they're fitted, are a temporary measure only, designed to get you back on the road and to the nearest place of repair or replacement."

While not illegal, having a space saver fitted to the wrong axle could also see you stopped by police so that they can give you guidance. Graham added: "If you're driving with a space saver fitted, proceed with extreme caution, as your car's handling capabilities will be highly compromised."

In other motoring news, drivers are being made aware of one button in their cars that needs to be switched off this winter. In certain circumstances, all Petrol, diesel and electric car owners have been told to press one crucial button to deactivate an important safety feature this winter.

Traction control is one of the vital safety features, cutting tyre spin, which helps prevent vehicles from spinning. Experts have stressed that there are many situations when turning off traction control could be beneficial. If motorists find themselves beached in snow, ice or mud, allowing some wheelspin could be crucial to gaining purchase and rolling free.