Why is my spare wheel so small?

I bought a spare wheel and tyre for my Mazda 3. The normal tyres fitted are 205/60 R16 92V and the recommended temporary spare tyre is specified as T125/70 D16 96M.

I knew that the temporary tyre was smaller as my handbook informs me that the ground clearance is reduced by about 10mm, but the difference between the temporary and the normal tyre is 60mm in diameter which seems excessive. My local Mazda dealer assures me that this is in order, but I'm not convinced.

Asked on 27 April 2015 by baznut

Answered by Honest John

These are 'limp home' wheels and tyres, not intended to take you any distance, limited to 50mph absolute maximum and remember that braking distances will be far greater, particularly in the wet.

Tags: wheels and tyres spare wheel

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