RSA for Cars with Unusual Tyre Sizes in Malaysia | MyMechanic

Stabilise and assess without risk

• Pull fully into a straight shoulder or bay, hazards on; exit on the safe side only and keep traffic‑side doors closed.
• If the verge is soft or sloped, skip DIY jacking; request on‑site help or a short tow to firm ground.
• Photograph the damaged tyre/wheel and the sidewall size code for accurate sourcing.

Size, load, and speed ratings that matter now

• Match overall diameter closely; big mismatches upset ABS/ESC and AWD diffs.
• Keep equal axle sizes; never mix rolling diameters on the same axle.
• Respect load/speed indices; lower‑rated temporary tyres require lower speeds and shorter hops.

Choosing the safest temporary option

• Same‑size replacement: best outcome if available nearby.
• Close‑match temporary: nearest overall diameter with sufficient load index; limit speed/distance.
• Space‑saver spare: mount only if it clears calipers/arches; place on non‑driven axle when possible.

Run‑flat, repair kits, and plugs

• Run‑flat: okay for short, moderate‑speed relocation if sidewall isn’t shredded.
• Sealant kits: only for small tread punctures; avoid sidewall cuts; note sealant complicates repairs.
• External plugs: emergency use only to reach a proper repair—avoid high speeds and hard cornering.

Clearance, offsets, and brake hardware

• Check caliper clearance; big brakes may foul narrow spares.
• If offset changes, ensure no rubbing on struts or arches under load.
• Re‑torque wheel nuts after a short drive; uncommon wheels often need thin‑wall sockets and specific torque.

AWD and limited‑slip considerations

• Keep rolling diameter consistent side‑to‑side; near‑match front‑to‑rear.
• If only one tyre is replaced and others are worn, reduce speed and distance; plan a matched pair or set soon.
• If no close match exists, tow to prevent diff/transfer‑case wear.

When to stop DIY and call for tow

• Sidewall tears, bent rim, bead damage, or tyre off the rim.
• No safe ground to jack, heavy rain/night on narrow shoulder, or caliper clearance doubts.
• AWD vehicle with only a far‑from‑match size available.

How MyMechanic helps with rare sizes

• Size‑first sourcing via sidewall code with realistic ETA before committing.
• Safe on‑site fitting on firm ground or controlled tow to a suitable bay.
• Clear notes for the workshop on temporary fitment, torque checks, and follow‑up alignment if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions