Spare wheel; which way up?!

[lagonda 41]

Have had my wheels restored, repainted, and new Michelin PS3s fitted. Want to keep them looking good, including the spare.

 

Can anyone say which is the best orientation in the spare wheel cage, to preserve the paintwork on the outside face of the wheel? I realise having it facing downwards will make checking tyre pressure easier, but I'm more interested in keeping the wheel outer face in good condition.

 

Laurence

[Tom Fenton 1,524]

Heavily wax the spare wheel before you put it underneath the car. I usually put them face toward the boot floor but regardless they get mucky.

[acox99 71 1 Cars]

Could always get a wheel bag to store it so it doesn’t get all the road dirt sprayed at it. 

[Ozymandis 96]

My experience is don't put them in a bag or wrap them in anything, water will get in there and they sit damp and corroding even on a nice dry day.

[lagonda 41]

Many thanks for replies .... yes, that would be my concern with a bag.

[welshpug 1,621]

I'd attach a sheet of abs plastic to the carrier with some P clips, effectively making a flat floor and a protector without holding water in there.

 

my 205 has always had the wheel fave down, still has its original wheel there.