When buying a second-hand Focus 13 years ago, we had the choice of two - one with a full-sized spare and a moulding under the carpet and one with a space-saver and no moulding. We chose the one we wanted and had the dealer swap the tyres and boot carpets over to give us the space-saver - only because, with young children and a double trolley, we needed the extra boot space.
SteveW
I think that they carry a couple of different sized spare tyres/wheels and adjustable adapters to allow them to fit many vehicles. I don't know whether they just follow you to a garage or pick the wheel up from you at home at a later date.
SteveW
Jaguar XJ220 (I think) had 4 different tyres per car :)
Presumably there's a slight elasticity to the belt that allows it to be fitted though ?
so did my XKR IIRC. no point in anything BUT a cheap spacesaver
Over several cars (and I dread to think how many miles) with modern toothed belts, I?ve never seen one break or even show signs of wear.
Even the old style V fan belts weren?t that bad, I only ever replaced one ( on a friend?s Mini). I used to carry one in my Escort but it was still in the boot, unused, when I sold it.
Cam belts can be more of a problem. I did have one fail on my Orion. I?ve always been wary of them since but, touch wood, that is the only one I?ve had issues with.
As for tensioning, the method varies from car to car. Some specify a jig/ tool, others the deflection method at some point in the run. At least one I recall seeing details for involved a gentle twist of the belt.
Because some daft bastard left his house keys in the van and had to go back to collect them he was surprised to see the mechanic swapping the belt outside where he left the van.
Sun shining and not cold.
It does not say how long it took him to fit it but the final bill was..................
Anyone want to guess?
It was a fan belt. Hint: I was the one that owned & drove the vehicle.
NT
As you are probably aware I often have to call the AA. That van is crap.
Last time was on the 9th of December at 15:57.
They arrived at 16:10 and got me running in less than 30 minutes. The EGV had failed again.
A pint?
You owned and drove Adam's vehicle? Bollocks.
In fairness, with modern vehicles (at least if they are well maintained), a breakdown is more likely to be something (like your EGV) which isn't something they'd carry etc. It is good they could get you going. Gone are the days of fan belts breaking (well mostly).
Obviously things like punctures happen- even in the best maintained cars- and with the move towards 'gunge kits' sometimes you are stuck when, in the past, a spare would have saved the day.
Assuming the various figures the AA/RAC etc quote for getting people going are correct (and I'm not suggesting they aren't), I suspect most breakdowns are 'minor' things- including punctures etc.
We have cover, partly as we travel in Europe, but also in case Senior Management is driving alone. When the daughters used one of our cars, I included them on the cover. While I'd ensured they knew how to change a wheel etc, I was concerned about the weight. I certainly doubt if Senior Management (who is quite small) could lift the wheel on the 4x4 and she certainly couldn't on the motorhome, let alone jack it up.
We did have a battery fail - while still quite 'young' when eldest was using the car and stopped at a motorway service place. The RAC turned up, fitted a replacement, and she was on her way quite quickly.
They should have bought a decent engine from BMW. On mine - a 90s model, it was simple to lock the jockey pulley open, replace the belt, then release the tension back into the jockey pulley. Only ever did it once, and no special tools needed. IIRC, just a decent socket set and allen key. Way easier than changing and tensioning the fan belt on the older car. Provided you noted the route of the serpentine belt.
Why not just carry the proper spare and the tools needed to change it? Saves having to do the job twice. But if you have the correct belt in the car, the AA etc would change it for you.
Problem with my car is different size wheels and tyres back and front. and carrying two proper spares would be silly as well as impossible. I think they did offer a space safer which could be used either end, but that also reduced the minimal luggage space too much.
Why, that's very nearly an armful!
Owain
Try £90 including the VAT.
Mine was about £400 including labour, on a Pug 306. And when I had to pay the same all over again a month later because the first belt had broken because of a bent flange on a pulley, you can imagine why I wasn't best pleased :-(
The battery in my MR2 is in the front under the "bonnet" with the spare wheel. The engine is behind me. I _have_ had starting problems - it doesn't like being cold started, stopped again, then left. And I have had the battery die.
Once in 20 years and 170,000 miles.
It wasn't just the distance that caused the problems on the Mini.
Andy
I owned & drove my own. In case you couldn't figure that out.
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