Space saver or life changer?

10 March 2023

I’ve been working in automotive in some way, shape or form since I was a teenager. But regardless of my time in the trade, I’m continuously shocked by what I see on Tasmania’s roads in terms of vehicle safety standards.

Shocked but not surprised (I’ll get to that shortly).

Case in point – for the third week in a row, I’ve spotted a vehicle with a space-saver spare tyre fitted to the left front. Now, I’m wondering if that motorist is aware of the risk they are taking by not immediately presenting their vehicle to a repairer or tyre dealer (TACC member-business, preferably) to have the correct wheel and tyre fitted.

‘Space-savers’ are there to get you out of a bind when you have a puncture. On-going use will dramatically reduce the dynamic directional and lateral stability of your vehicle. Their purpose is to get you to the repairer or tyre fitter – who will get the puncture repaired and a tyre re-fitted – on the day, or shortly after.

So, why am I not surprised?

Well, when you live in a state with minimal regulation surrounding vehicle roadworthiness, you breed a car culture of ‘fix it when it’s broken’ rather than prevention or ‘care for your gear’. The result is a public lack of awareness when it comes to vehicle roadworthiness standards. 

Not only does this put road users, families and first responders at risk, but it also lowers the standard of our state’s vehicle fleet.

Heading into a month of long weekends, I bet I am not the only one contemplating a bit of a road trip. Make sure your vehicle is safe. If you’re unsure, call your local TACC member. It could mean the difference between a good trip, and a really bad one.

You’re welcome.

Words: TACC State Manager Bruce McIntosh. As featured in the Mercury on 10 March 2023.