[Heidi]

One disappointment with my new i30 N-Line was the lack of a full size spare wheel. In Australia this is a serious omission as a car can be a long way from a tyre dealer, and the range and speed limitations of the space saver can be a major inconvenience, not to mention a safety concern. Presumably the punctured/damaged wheel has to find space inside the car somewhere and then you have to hope the dealer has the correct size tyre if it cannot be repaired. The previous SR had a two level boot floor which allowed a full size spare wheel to be carried, albeit with some loss of luggage space. Looking in the boot of the N-Line it was obvious to me that the necessary parts for the two level floor from a SR would fit and the wheel well could accommodate a full size wheel. I got fed up with two Hyundai dealers telling me that it could not be done and if it could be done, it would compromise the warranty. I was quoted an exorbitant price for the necessary parts. After much searching I found a specialist wrecker of Korean cars who sold me the necessary parts for $100 from a near new SR. They are Trim Assembly - Luggage Side, L.H., Part No. 85730-G3500TRY. Trim Assembly - Luggage Side, R.H., Part No. 85740-G3500TRY. Board Assembly - Luggage Covering. Part No. R5710-G3000. I must admit that fitting these parts was more complicated than I expected, but I had never done anything like this before. The photos give some idea of what needs to be done. Tools required are 10 mm and 12 mm sockets, trim removal tools (mine came from Aldi) and some patience slipping the trim assemblies behind the plastic panel on each side of the seat as it is a fiddly process. Removing the rear seat makes the job easier (that's where the 12 mm socket comes in, or was it 13 mm. I've forgotten). The lashing loops screwed into the floor of the N-Line have to be removed. The board assembly from the SR has these loops built in. I'm pleased with the outcome. I intend to retain the space saver for suburban driving and replace it with a full size wheel for longer trips. Now I need to obtain a full size wheel. As for the warranty, this modification does not affect anything structural, mechanical or electrical (other than disconnecting and reconnecting the boot light), so I will argue the point with Hyundai if a warranty claim ever arises. I reckon this is merely a cost cutting measure by Hyundai. Anyway, I hope this information is helpful to any other owners wishing to do the same.

[Surferdude]

An excellent job, Heidi.
Well thought out and executed.
And I agree with all your comments on space savers.
An especially good point about where to put the damaged wheel for the rest of your trip.

I read a few years ago about an American woman killed in an accident by the wheel which she was carrying in the cabin.

I can't see how anything you've done can have any bearing on warranty.  I'd love to hear which parts of the warranty they reckon would be affected.

[Dazzler]

Welcome  Heidi,

What a brilliant first post and a great effort with the conversion.

Ironically, I just damaged a tyre in my SR and a full size spare would have made life so much easier. Up to now, the first 26 months of ownership I hadn't really seen an issue but it's different once you've had a puncture. You make a very good point about where to put the damaged wheel too. 

[mickd]

Great stuff 
Aren't they full of shit when they don't khow what to do.
No one would pick that . Will be going full size  with our Kona, the foam tray is under the lid is in for a shock  just need to find compatible wheel.
Love labels on the pic's   

[Heidi]

Thanks for your kind comments. I've also been advised that a space saver wheel should not be fitted to the front of a car meaning a double wheel change if a front tyre is punctured.

[Dazzler]

I'm taking delivery of a new Hybrid Camry in the next week or two and that only has a space saver. I've gone mid range but only the base model gets a full size spare! 

If there is room I will replace the SS with a full size wheel after my recent experience. We do big (5000 km +) road trips so a puncture would be a major disruption in some cases if only had a SS.

My Wife's new Kona only has an SS spare but it's a bit different in her case as she only does mostly short trips and a total of maybe 7000 kms a year.

[galixia]

My PD Active comes with a full size from factory same with the Go. They changed to a space saver to fit the sports suspension and exhaust for the sportier feel of the SR and nline didn't they? That's what i heard anyways

[Surferdude]

Thanks for your kind comments. I've also been advised that a space saver wheel should not be fitted to the front of a car meaning a double wheel change if a front tyre is punctured.

Correct.
Yet another damning fact against space savers. 

[Dazzler]

@Surferdude suggested we sticky this thread, so I have. It is certainly a very handy thread with some good points raised. 

[mickd]

My PD Active comes with a full size from factory same with the Go. They changed to a space saver to fit the sports suspension and exhaust for the sportier feel of the SR and nline didn't they? That's what i heard anyways

SS is supposedly lighter by about 1.5 kg 
Dont think they would raise the bottom of the boot, and have 2 body assemblies.
A trend that IMHO is just pointless,  reduced speed when fitted, load capacity ??, can't be on front due to diameter /circumference difference,  but it's better than a can of crap that some get.

[galixia]

That's the full size spare in my PD Active. Fits perfectly in there.

[Lorian]

In the UK N-Line a full sized tyre would stick out above the well from memory. you could put one in there though, as it comes with the rails for the dual-height floor.

SS is supposedly lighter by about 1.5 kg 

10kg's was the difference between my space saver and the genuine 16" steel rim with tyre.

[mickd]

SS is supposedly lighter by about 1.5 kg 

10kg's was the difference between my space saver and the genuine 16" steel rim with tyre.

Jesus,  that much. I  stand corrected.   

[Myowni30]

In the UK N-Line a full sized tyre would stick out above the well from memory. you could put one in there though, as it comes with the rails for the dual-height floor.

My 2019 1.4 N-Line has a space saver, but the boot floor(non adjustable) is high enough for a full size wheel.

[Lorian]

Seems strange your boot would be different to mine. I can set mine lower by slightly folding the floor and sliding it in to the lower position.

Does your bonnet not sit down tight on the rubber seal at the front? That should be easy to adjust if it doesn't.

[nzenigma]

Thanks for your kind comments. I've also been advised that a space saver wheel should not be fitted to the front of a car meaning a double wheel change if a front tyre is punctured.

Kind comment from too! You did well 

But  , who had the thought bubble about no space saver on the front?  His, Her or It's double change idea is both impractical and potentially dangerous, especially for the inexperienced = 90% of the drivers these days 

The car's scissor jack is not the most stable of devices, let alone on an uneven/sloping roadside.  Worse still, to first remove a good rear wheel, you need to jack up the rear, while the front of the car slops about on a flat tyre. 

[mickd]

Worried about different width, tread design and compound of temporary tyre will alter steering/drive/grip ability of each side and particularly in the wet.
If you must drive lopsided,  use extra care, drive with reduced speed ( less than the 80kmh on tyre)
Open admission that its a bad design.
So yes, double change. Poor old Road Assist person 

[nzenigma]

Worried about different width, tread design and compound of temporary tyre will alter steering/drive/grip ability of each side and particularly in the wet.
If you must drive lopsided,  use extra care, drive with reduced speed ( less than the 80kmh on tyre)
Open admission that its a bad design.
So yes, double change. Poor old Road Assist person 

Yes to the bad design comment. BUT

Why worry? Its not a sprint meet at Bathurst . Just drive at less than 80kph.

What does ( whoever came up with this dubious thought bubble ) advise if you have a Merc , Bimmer or similar car with rear wheel size  larger than the front? 
 Obvious solution is a space saver. 

[Dazzler]

Worried about different width, tread design and compound of temporary tyre will alter steering/drive/grip ability of each side and particularly in the wet.
If you must drive lopsided,  use extra care, drive with reduced speed ( less than the 80kmh on tyre)
Open admission that its a bad design.
So yes, double change. Poor old Road Assist person 

Yes to the bad design comment. BUT

Why worry? Its not a sprint meet at Bathurst . Just drive at less than 80kph.

What does ( whoever came up with this dubious thought bubble ) advise if you have a Merc , Bimmer or similar car with rear wheel size  larger than the front? 
 Obvious solution is a space saver. 

I  think you are out voted on this one Gary. Yes, there are situations when a space saver works, like your different size wheel scenario. It kind of worked for me in the SR with me wanting and using the extra boot space on our road trips. But after having my recent damaged tyre I can definitely see the benefits of a full size spare especially where it isn't going to compromise boot space (as in my new Camry).

Had I damaged that tyre on any of of multiple 4000 + kilometre road trips it would have been a right pain in the arse limping around on a temporary spare for who knows how many kilometres until I could get it replaced (rather than just simply repaired -like a puncture)

So I will certainly be organizing a full size wheel for the new car before we head off on the next trip. Thanks again to Heidi for this excellent "thought bubble".

Surely Trevor's 30 or 40 years in the tyre industry should also not be so flippantly dismissed either... just saying. 

[nzenigma]

I  think you are out voted on this one Gary. Yes, there are situations when a space saver works, like your different size wheel scenario.  Thanks again to Heidi for this excellent "thought bubble".

Surely Trevor's 30 or 40 years in the tyre industry should also not be so flippantly dismissed either... just saying. 

Wait up Dazz, old mate.

1. I have applauded Heidi's solution to accommodate a full sized spare. Even though, privately, I would see greater boot space to be of more importance.

2. I have not "flippantly dismissed" Trevor.  Having had an equal time in the motor trade, I am skeptical and have asked where this 'rear only' idea came from.
No one has provided an answer. However, I have provided two reasons for it to be impractical or ill advised.

3. The space saver is clearly marked to be a low speed (80kph max) temporary wheel. ONLY !!!!!!!

4. The chances of anyone having to travel a vast distance on one is unlikely. As I remember you got your slashed tyre wall patched then you drove on it. A space saver would have been a life saver.

5. Just added. @Surferdude  In the past, Trev and I have voiced our mutual skepticism about a new industry theory that rear tyres should have the best traction (tread). The above 'thought bubble' flies in the face of that notion.  As she said,"please explain"?

 

[Surferdude]

Straight from your country of origin old mate. 

Driving on a space saver wheel


"If your flat tyre is on the front, and your car is front-wheel drive, swap one of the rear wheels to the front and put the space saver on the rear - this is because the front of the car is used for steering, braking and acceleration and therefore it needs the best rubber at the front."

All jokes aside,  I've seen this advice elsewhere,  maybe from the RACQ but I can't remember where now.
Interesting that the quoted paragraph also backs us up about why the best tyres go on the front.  👍

[nzenigma]

Straight from your country of origin old mate.  Dammit what would that lot know   

Driving on a space saver wheel


"If your flat tyre is on the front, and your car is front-wheel drive, swap one of the rear wheels to the front and put the space saver on the rear - this is because the front of the car is used for steering, braking and acceleration and therefore it needs the best rubber at the front."

All jokes aside,  I've seen this advice elsewhere,  maybe from the RACQ but I can't remember where now.
Interesting that the quoted paragraph also backs us up about why the best tyres go on the front.  👍

Correct, they back us further with:  "If your car is a standard rear-wheel drive car, the space saver should still go on the rear but be aware that you will wheelspin much more easily."

To be honest, imagine Mr and Mrs average standing in the rain looking at a 'flet' tyre.
Question , do we have a lumited slup duff or that front wheel drive thung?

[Surferdude]

Straight from your country of origin old mate.  Dammit what would that lot know   

Driving on a space saver wheel


"If your flat tyre is on the front, and your car is front-wheel drive, swap one of the rear wheels to the front and put the space saver on the rear - this is because the front of the car is used for steering, braking and acceleration and therefore it needs the best rubber at the front."

All jokes aside,  I've seen this advice elsewhere,  maybe from the RACQ but I can't remember where now.
Interesting that the quoted paragraph also backs us up about why the best tyres go on the front.  👍

Correct, they back us further with:  "If your car is a standard rear-wheel drive car, the space saver should still go on the rear but be aware that you will wheelspin much more easily."

To be honest, imagine Mr and Mrs average standing in the rain looking at a 'flet' tyre.
Question , do we have a lumited slup duff or that front wheel drive thung?

 

[mickd]

Sorry to confuse. My reply 17 was my summary of what the book advises- should have said that. Of course the last 2 sentences were my own thoughts.
IMHO, spacer/ temp tyre is a WOFTAM. As far as i know, Since the horseless carriage first folled out, the  spare was full sized. Only in the last 15 years the SS become an alternative. With most vehicles only traveling a short distance each day, and with road assist , the risk of a flat is low, so SS is viable.
Travel distances,  tow, carry a load, etcSS  not viable.
As far as front or back for the best tyres, I  believe that the skills the average driver  has nowadays are crap. Christ most don't realise that the road will be greasey with light rain. 90% would not know oversteer correction methods let alone how to induce it or detect early understeer of car. Again given the daily driving  trips few will experience either. Either way if they have loss of front or rear they are gone.

[mickd]

Straight from your country of origin old mate.  Dammit what would that lot know   

Driving on a space saver wheel


"If your flat tyre is on the front, and your car is front-wheel drive, swap one of the rear wheels to the front and put the space saver on the rear - this is because the front of the car is used for steering, braking and acceleration and therefore it needs the best rubber at the front."

All jokes aside,  I've seen this advice elsewhere,  maybe from the RACQ but I can't remember where now.
Interesting that the quoted paragraph also backs us up about why the best tyres go on the front.  👍

Correct, they back us further with:  "If your car is a standard rear-wheel drive car, the space saver should still go on the rear but be aware that you will wheelspin much more easily."

To be honest, imagine Mr and Mrs average standing in the rain looking at a 'flet' tyre.
Question , do we have a lumited slup duff or that front wheel drive thung?

 

[Lorian]

There is no mention of putting the space saver on the back in the UK Car's manual.

I think If you get a flat on a UK motorway (I have, in the dark and rain - it's scary) no one should be doing two changes, get the spare on and leave ASAP, or better still call out assistance and wait the other side of the barrier.

[Lorian]

I think they must spec different well depths. The UK-Line (225/40/18R) with space saver has a wheel well depth of appx 145mm. The well couldn't extend further lower as it would hit the big rear box on the silencer.

[nzenigma]

I think If you get a flat on a UK motorway (I have, in the dark and rain - it's scary) no one should be doing two changes, get the spare on and leave ASAP, or better still call out assistance and wait the other side of the barrier.

   


Many of the cars I see have around 100,000 Km on the clock and the spare has NEVER been on the road.

In the good old days we did get punctures so we used to travel with a vulcanising repair kit, tyre levers and a sweat operated air pump.

These days, the odd puncture is usually caused by a screw that has fallen off a tradie's ute. If touring I carry this type of plug kit:

Tyre Puncture Repair Kit Tutorial - YouTube

 It's a permanent repair. Often the loss of air is so slow you don't even need to take the wheel off the car. Just pull into the first petrol station, plug it and pump the tyre up.

[Surferdude]

They dry out and leak Over time. Have had to re repair numerous ones of those.
They will also   void most manufacturers warranty.