What size spare wheel for Golf R with 19's?

[Ryan41]

hey guys, quick question, got an R.. getting a wheel fixed at the moment..and the space saver is an 18? is the car meant to be equipped with a 19" spare wheel?

its just got me worried as I'm running 19's all round but currently with an 18" spare on the back left corner.. going to damage anything?

thanks, ryan

[Lucas_R]

No doubt the overall circumference of the space saver is similar / same to the 19inch wheels. Either way, being a hideous space saver, it's only meant to be used for a very short time - so I'm sure the car will be fine.

[Whistler]

I have 19"s and spare is 19 also. I'd get onto the dealer!

[Candyman]

Always unwise running unequal tyres on an AWD of any kind.

As mentioned, it may well have a much deeper sidewall and similar overall circumference so no drama.

[team_v]

It could have been a dealer mix up (if it was delivered with 18's and they swapped 19's onto it, not accounting for the spare)

[Diesel_vert]

As long as the rolling circumference (RC) is very close, which is particularly important for AWD drivetrains, it should be fine.

What are the dimensions of your temporary spare? T125/70 R18 99M? If so, then it's the equivalent of a 225/40 R18 tyre - which is normally fine for any other Golf.

The problem is, the Golf R has an unusually large difference between its 18-inch and 19-inch fitments - a 235/35 R19 tyre is the near equivalent of a 235/40 R18 tyre in terms of RC. So there would be a clear difference in RC between those two tyres and a 225/40 R18 tyre.

I would not drive on a temporary spare any further than I'd have to, especially on a Golf R with 235/35 R19 tyres.