Advantages/disadvantages of removing the spare wheel...

[Nelson_Wilbury]

...I had to do it didn't I? Apologies if anything on here sounds like crap, all the information I have gathered from my own sources, lol.

Well, I said I was gonna try it one day and today was the day
First suprise was that the spare is actually full size , in my case a 195/55/R15 tyre. Mainly due to the fact that VW usually use at least a space saver or tyre sealant anyway.

Second thing I noticed (I never bothered checking before ) was that the wheel was actually steel not alloy. Not sure if I'm right on this but I believe a steel wheel is heavier than an Alloy one, which is another disadvantage.

Anyway, took the car for a four mile round trip and on the B-roads found it allot more fun to drive, reason being the spare actually sits on the rear axle, so car was a bit more chuckable

Engine naturally also feels like its being worked allot less harder, 4-5th gear acceleration allot more spirited (overtaking) and uphill acceleration (the most annoying thing about the car) allot better. I never got a chance to do any overtaking but it would almost certainly be that bit quicker when doing it.

Now, I'm not claiming its made the car into a Polo GTi, but its certainly allot better. I wouldn't have thought it'd be as noticable when you start going into larger engine sizes either.

I managed to do a couple of 0-60 times, clocked just over 14 seconds each time compared to 15 when I last tried it (with spare and only a 1,000 miles ago I might add).

The problem? Tyres and Tyre sealant. I run on 195/55/R15 tyres and I believe the higher the sidewall, the more problems you have with the sealant actually sealing, its also completely useless if the puncture is actually on the sidewall or so I've read. Hopefully, Polo2k the tyre Guru will put me right on this though

Advantages:
* Nippier/quicker
* Almost certain easier overtaking
* Slightly more fun to drive on B-roads
* (and this is really nitpicking) Possibly increased fuel consumption (don't laugh )

Disadvantages:
* Effectiveness of tyre sealant questionable (daily journey to work and back is 55 miles)
* Sits about 5 mil higher at the rear
* Possible cost of cleaning alloy and tyre when sealant is used.

Anyway, what do you think I should do?

[polo2k]

well like ive said on msn the cans can be used on any size.
the weight is right they do hold you back
some clios come from the factory with 2 cans of sealent (172 i beleve)
any sidewall repair is questionable as the most common cause of side wall punctures ( in my experance) is when people hit a kerb and cut the tyre, this usually cuts the plys and thus ruins the integrity of the tyre.
some alloys are atually heavier than steelies but if you want a light "steelie" then some bmw`s come with waht look to be steelies but are infact alloys

[mole]

Leave it out if you think it makes the car nicer to drive!
But be warned, if you're luck is anything like mine you WILL get a puncture as soon as you remove the wheel and dont have any sealent gear.

[des_pd_ tdi]

If you are looking for a faster ride, do you use the back seats, if not take em out. Better still strip the car, pull out the carpets, sell the stereo.

You'll have the fastest 1.2 around but no comforts - JOKE

Why not get a replacement alloy wheel as your spare.

[Ratty]

Unless VW brings out a new polo GTi with the 1.8T, I might well strip my Polo and get an engine transplant when my 3-year warranty's up. Just for the hell of it!