Can I use a directional tyre on a spare wheel?

In January I purchased a Fiesta, which came without a spare wheel. I then purchased a suitable spare and tyre from a local tyre retailer in the village, which thankfully has never been used. Today the car went back to the Ford Dealer for its first service. The very thorough mechanic came to see me and told me that my spare was only legal to use on one side of the vehicle because the tyre was 'directional'? Is this correct? Is it illegal to use a tyre against the directional arrow? Should I go back to the tyre retailer and demand that the tyre be replaced?

Asked on 2 November 2013 by PH, Great Hale,

Answered by Honest John

Yes. Stupid of the tyre dealer to sell you a wheel with a directional tyre as the spare. Tell him to replace it with a non-directional tyre. He has to do this. He sold you the wrong tyre in the first place and you are returning the tyre he sold you unused.

Tags: wheels and tyres spare wheel

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