Can you use a 16 inch space saver on a car with 17 inch wheels?

Yes, you can usually use a 16-inch space saver on a vehicle that wears 17-inch wheels as a temporary fix, but only if the spare is compatible with your car and you follow the documented limits. It’s intended to get you to a repair shop rather than serve as a long-term solution.

Space saver vs. full-size tires

A space saver is a compact spare tire designed to fit in the trunk and keep you mobile after a puncture. It differs from your regular tires in size, rating and intended use.

• Smaller overall diameter and width than your standard 17-inch tires, typically mounted on a 16-inch wheel.


• Designed for short trips and lower speeds; most manufacturers limit you to slower driving and a narrow distance (often around 50 mph/80 km/h and a few dozen miles). Always check the spare’s label or owner’s manual for exact limits.


• Can alter handling, braking balance, and steering feel; the speedometer and other systems may read differently due to difference in circumference.


• Not intended for long-term use or permanent replacement of a full wheel/tire pair; use on one axle only and plan to replace soon.


• Requires the correct lug pattern and hub bore to mount properly; if the 16-inch spare doesn’t fit the hub or studs, it won’t work.


• Some vehicles and drivetrains (especially all-wheel drive) have additional restrictions; check the owner’s manual for AWD/4WD guidance.

Used as a temporary fix, a space saver should be replaced with a proper tire and wheel as soon as possible to restore optimal performance and safety.

Compatibility and restrictions to check

Before attempting to fit a 16-inch space saver on a car with 17-inch wheels, verify several compatibility and safety factors to avoid damage or unsafe driving.

• Lug pattern matches the vehicle’s wheels (the number and spacing of bolt holes must align).


• Center bore compatibility so the wheel fits snugly on the hub.


• Brake caliper clearance and rotor size; ensure the 16-inch wheel does not rub or interfere with braking components.


• Overall rolling diameter difference between the spare and the regular tires is within the manufacturer’s tolerance; large differences can affect ABS/ESP and speedometer accuracy.


• Speed and distance limits printed on the spare or in the owner’s manual; do not exceed these limits.


• Vehicle type considerations, especially for all-wheel-drive (AWD) or 4WD systems; many manuals restrict or specify how a spare should be used on these vehicles.


• Spare tire pressure and load rating; ensure the spare is inflated to the recommended pressure and rated for the vehicle’s weight.


• Wheel well and trunk storage space to ensure the spare fits securely without causing interference during normal driving.

When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or a tire specialist to confirm whether a 16-inch spare is appropriate for your specific car model and drivetrain configuration.

Special considerations for all-wheel drive vehicles

All-wheel-drive and some modern performance cars have more stringent requirements for any non-original tire/wheel on a drivetrain: using a spare with a different diameter or tread pattern can place uneven load on the system and potentially cause damage. If you own an AWD/4WD vehicle, always check the manual and consider calling a dealer or a tire shop for guidance before using a space saver.

Safe use in practice: step-by-step guidance

If you must use a 16-inch spare on a car with 17-inch wheels, follow these steps to maximize safety and minimize risk.

1. Park safely on a level surface, turn on hazard lights, and engage the parking brake.


2. Gather the spare, a jack, a lug wrench, and wheel chocks; ensure you have the correct tools for your vehicle.


3. Loosen the lug nuts on the damaged wheel a half-turn or so before lifting the car.


4. Place the jack on a designated lift point and lift the vehicle until the damaged wheel clears the ground.


5. Remove the lug nuts, take off the damaged wheel, and place the spare onto the hub, aligning the lug holes.


6. Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to seat the wheel evenly, then lower the car to the ground.


7. Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specification in a star pattern to ensure proper seating.


8. Check the spare’s tire pressure and verify the speed and distance limits on the spare label; do not exceed them.


9. Drive cautiously to a tire shop or service center to repair or replace the damaged tire; avoid high speeds and long distances with the spare installed.


10. Have the damaged tire repaired or replaced and return the vehicle to normal with a full-size wheel/tire that matches the others as soon as possible.

Using a 16-inch space saver is a practical stopgap, but it should not become a long-term solution. Proper tire replacement and professional alignment or balancing may be required after a temporary fix.

Summary

In most cases, a 16-inch space saver can be used temporarily on a car with 17-inch wheels, provided the spare is compatible with the vehicle’s lug pattern, hub bore, brake clearance, and drivetrain restrictions. Always follow the specific limits in the owner’s manual and on the spare’s label, drive cautiously, and replace the spare with a proper full-size wheel and tire as soon as possible to restore full safety and performance.

Can you fit a 16-inch tire on a 17 inch rim?

No, you cannot put 16-inch tires on 17-inch rims because the rim diameter must match the tire diameter for a secure and safe fit. The 17-inch rim is 1 inch larger in diameter than the 16-inch tire, and the tire is not designed to stretch that much, which would lead to the tire failing to sit properly or even exploding. 
Why it's not possible

• Diameter mismatch: A 16-inch tire has an inner diameter designed to fit a 16-inch rim. A 17-inch rim has a 1-inch larger inner diameter, so the tire will not stretch sufficiently to form a seal. 
• Safety hazard: Forcing a tire onto an improperly sized rim is extremely dangerous. The tire could fail to seat correctly, leading to a blowout or sudden failure while driving. 

How to find the right tires

• Check the rim: You can find the rim's diameter stamped on the wheel, usually on the back of one of the spokes. 
• Match the size: Always use a tire with the same rim diameter (e.g., a 16-inch tire for a 16-inch rim). 
• Consider width: The rim also has a width, and tires must be within a compatible width range. For example, a 17x7.5 rim has a specific range of tire widths that can be mounted on it. 

Can I use a different size space saver wheel?

Can I use a smaller diameter space saver wheel as a temporary replacement for a flat tyre? Yes, smaller space saver wheels can be used on cars as temporary spare wheels in the event of a flat tyre. Space saver wheels do not necessarily have to have the same diameter as the alloy wheels fitted to the car.

What's the biggest tire I can put on a 17 inch rim?

The "biggest" tire you can put on a 17-inch rim depends on the vehicle and the rim's width. A common, safe size is 245/65R17, but larger sizes like 265/70R17 or even 275/70R17 are possible, especially on wider rims and with vehicle modifications like a lift kit or fender trimming. Always check your vehicle's manual and consult a professional to ensure proper fit and safety, as putting a tire on a rim that is too narrow or wide can be dangerous. 
Factors to consider

• Rim Width: The width of the rim is a major factor. A narrower rim might only support up to a 245/65R17, while a wider 8.5-inch rim might allow for a 255 or 265 size tire. 
• Tire Size: Tire sizes vary in width, aspect ratio, and diameter. A larger number for the aspect ratio (like 70 instead of 65) will result in a taller tire. 
• Vehicle Clearance: The size of your vehicle's wheel wells, suspension, and other components will determine how much space you have. Some larger tires may require modifications to avoid rubbing against the frame or body panels. 
• Modifications: A lift kit, fender modifications, or wheel spacers can allow for larger tires than would otherwise fit. 
• Safety: Putting a tire on a rim that is outside of the manufacturer's recommended range can cause the bead to unseat, leading to a dangerous blowout. Many shops will refuse to mount these combinations to avoid liability. 
• Performance: Wider tires can affect fuel economy, handling, and speedometer accuracy. 

Common larger tire sizes for 17-inch rims 

• 245/65R17: A common and often safe starting point for larger tires without major issues. 
• 255/65R17: May require minor modifications like trimming to avoid rubbing. 
• 245/70R17: Might need some trimming to fit, but is a possibility on some vehicles. 
• 265/70R17: Likely to require modifications, such as trimming or a lift kit. 
• 275/70R17: Often requires significant modifications like a lift kit to prevent rubbing. 

How to choose the right size

1. Check your vehicle's manual: The manual may provide a recommended maximum tire size.
2. Consult a professional: Speak to a mechanic or a tire shop. They can assess your vehicle's specific clearances and tell you what will fit safely.
3. Research specific vehicle forums: Search for your vehicle's make and model to see what sizes other owners have successfully installed. 

Can I use a 16-inch space saver with 17 inch wheels?

Although it is strongly advisable to have the same size wheel and tyre when it comes to your space saver - you can still drive with different sizes (for a short period of time).