Do I need the collapsible space saver?

Fishman

A2OC Donor
My car did (I assume) at some point in its history have a spare wheel. I have the metal battery clamp with the threaded hole and a corresponding hole in my boot floor. The large plastic protection disc, securing bolt and wheel have gone.

The car is to be a daily driver.

I'm not a fan of tyre weld at all (previous experience) so I am looking at reinstating a spare wheel.

Would a standard steel spare or space saver fit in the lower boot or do I need the collapsable tyre?

How are these faring as they're all 15 years old at best?
 
The other thing to note if using the spare wheel carrier is it blocks access to the battery compartment, so if you need to get to the battery or tools / Bose then the wheel has to be removed first to allow the "hatch" to be opened in the floor.
 
One final comment from me.
if you carry a spare wheel in the car please make sure that it is tied down securely if you are not using the proper bracket.
if you were ever in a serious crash (which hopefully you won’t be) that wheel could be flying around in the car and without trying to be too dramatic just imagine that very heavy wheel being thrown about in the car. It doesn’t bear thinking about.
Steve B
 
But have you considered you will then need the large trim parts over the wheel arch that do not have the ugly holes in the existing that will be exposed by removing the brackets. No problem I expect to pick them up or swap with your buyer.

??????????

Spare wheel carrier bolts onto of the battery location and a small hole is in the lower boot carpet that the plate and nut secure the wheel onto. No side trim is effected. Or have I got it wrong?

View attachment 79976
Yes that is the full kit plus I have the two hex head bolts that secure the bracket to the body that aren't shown in this photo, so it is the 'full' kit.
Also just to mention the carpet isn't part of the kit or included as it is obviously already there in the car, well hopefully anyway ?
 
My A2 is off for a service and MoT at the moment. I'll check the space saver, in the boot, when it returns this evening. I have used it once, last year, and didn't notice any probs.
I thought it was ex TT, but we all know what thought did ...
I'll compare it with the spare in the TT too.
Mac.
 
@carlston
You are correct, the TT spare has a diameter about 20mm larger than the A2 wheel, so about 60mm on circumference. The spare in my A2 is indeed an ex TT, so I'll have to look out for a more suitable space saver.
Mac.
PS: MoT passed, one advisory, minor damage to inside sidewall of one rear tyre, now replaced.
 
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The Audi A1 uses a 3.5Jx18 ET38 space saver steel rim with a 125/60R18 tyre.

125/60R18 has about the same outside diameter as a 185/60R15 tyre.

Continental 125/60R18 94M
 
The Audi A1 uses a 3.5Jx18 ET38 space saver steel rim with a 125/60R18 tyre.

125/60R18 has about the same outside diameter as a 185/60R15 tyre.

Continental 125/60R18 94M
@carlston
I just had a seller measure the OD of an A1 space saver, and it's close (60 cms approx) to the OD of my 17" Sport wheels, so looks like a good match. Thanks for your help.
Mac.
 
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