No big deal; it was just something that transpired last Wednesday.
Ten miles before the Leicester junction, the right front TPM came on as the tyre was losing air as we were travelling north up the M1 to Derby. Ugh, I was wondering. After enduring countless torturous roundabouts and ring roads, we successfully nursed the car the ten miles to the Leicester junction, where we discovered a Sainsbury's petrol station.
There was a screw in the exact center of the tire, and no matter how much air I pumped it up, it was leaking out faster than it was going in. The Wally Wheel is required now.
I was fortunate to have purchased one along with a jack when I changed the tires from RF to regular ones shortly after purchasing the vehicle.
Back on the M1 we went, but it was terrifying going at 50 mph (Wally Wheel Limit) because it seemed like every truck was attempting to ram us.
Our trip was rocky, but we finally reached Belper, where our friends were waiting for us. They told us about a tyre shop in town, so we ordered a new one and will have it installed before our return trip on Friday. The total cost was £216. We are really grateful.
Getting off the highway with the tyre nearly on the rim, having a space saver and jack to switch to, and the tyre in question having an advisory about slight sidewall cracking from the MoT a few weeks ago were all strokes of luck, as the heading suggests. Consequently, I intended to get a new one anyhow.
All four tires have been replaced from RFs since I first purchased the C Class. After damage to both front tires, I had to replace them again.
Well, at least it's just money.
Posts: 73
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
Posts: 41
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
What if you'd held on to those run flats instead? 
Is anybody really going to keep to 50 on those?People with them constantly pass me, even though I've never needed one. Not the spare tyre per se, but the worse handling and longer stopping distance (particularly on the front wheels) make it best to keep to 50, though few actually do so.
Is anybody really going to keep to 50 on those?People with them constantly pass me, even though I've never needed one. Not the spare tyre per se, but the worse handling and longer stopping distance (particularly on the front wheels) make it best to keep to 50, though few actually do so.
Posts: 37
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
No matter what kind of spare wheel it is, having one on hand is always helpful, especially in cases where the driver can't change the wheel themselves. Even mobile tyre fitters may not have a spare that is compatible with your vehicle, and that's presuming the rim is in good condition. A spare wheel ensures that you will be assisted in getting back on the road.
Posts: 26
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
You were extremely fortunate, and as I always tell people in similar situations, "someone was watching over you" to ensure your safety and prevent unnecessary drama.
Taking full advantage of your good fortune, I hope you went to the Sainsbury's petrol station and bought a lottery ticket
Taking full advantage of your good fortune, I hope you went to the Sainsbury's petrol station and bought a lottery ticket
Posts: 40
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
It would be wise for you to acquire a "wally wheel" from the same source that the delivery and taxi drivers use.
They zip around on the pace saver spare for months at a time, regardless of the weather. It appears to be especially effective for the $hitbox Toyota Prius.
It is possible that they bring them in from the "subcontinent."
They zip around on the pace saver spare for months at a time, regardless of the weather. It appears to be especially effective for the $hitbox Toyota Prius.
It is possible that they bring them in from the "subcontinent."