British motorists are calling on carmakers to bring back spare wheels after a poll showed few are confident that tire repair kits can fix a puncture on most new models.
More than four in five drivers say they would rather have a spare tire in the boot than a tire inflation kit, according to a survey of 11,959 AA members.
However, a recent survey found that only 3 percent of new cars sold in UK showrooms today have a spare part fitted as standard. Here’s why…
More than four in five motorists want car manufacturers to ditch tire inflation kits and bring back the traditional spare wheel, according to a new AA survey
With the number of potholes on Britain’s roads reaching a five-year high, the argument for having a spare wheel in the boot of your car has rarely been stronger, says the AA.
Last year, damage from potholes accounted for almost half a billion pounds in vehicle repair costs, with much of that expenditure being restricted.
But the motoring group warns that many drivers are completely unaware that their car does not have a spare wheel tucked under the boot.
According to the research, one in five (20 percent) of 18 to 24 year olds would not think to check whether the car they are buying has a spare wheel.
Many only realize that they do not have a full-size or space-saver spare wheel in the back when they get a flat tire and want to get back on the road.
Instead, almost all new cars on sale in showrooms today come standard with a tire inflation kit – usually consisting of a can of sealant to pump into the tire and a small compressor to re-inflate the tire.
An RAC survey in November found that less than 3 percent of new models now have a spare part in the boot.
313 new cars for sale were reviewed – ranging from the smallest superminis to the largest 4X4s – and found that only eight (2.6 percent) are factory fitted with a reversing wheel.
The roadside assistance provider said last year that this lack of spare wheels is causing a ‘dramatic’ increase in the number of incidents where drivers need help with an irreparable puncture.
RAC patrols responded to almost 200,000 calls in 2022 where drivers had a flat tire and no spare wheel, compared to 165,000 in 2018, the report said.
The RAC research also found that it is predominantly larger, heavier vehicles that come with a spare wheel, meaning the vast majority of family-friendly cars will not have them as standard.
The only car models found to have a spare wheel as standard were the Fiat Tipo, Ford Focus (selected variants), Hyundai Sante Fe (PHEV), Land Rover Defender, Seat Ateca (selected variants), Suzuki Across, Volvo XC90 (not PHEV) and Toyota Landcruiser.
Market analysis by the RAC last year found that only 3% of new cars sold in Britain come with a spare wheel as standard. Most of these are large SUV models, the report said
Why are car manufacturers steering away from spare wheels?
Many manufacturers have stopped including them as standard to reduce the weight of their cars by as much as 20 kg.
This makes the vehicles more economical, but also helps car manufacturers to comply with stricter emissions legislation.
Tire repair kits are also much cheaper to offer as standard equipment in cars, meaning manufacturers can save money on every model they sell by not offering it with a spare part in the boot or under the chassis.
The RAC said the arrival of electric vehicles will see spare wheels move from an endangered species to the extinct list.
In many cases, their large battery packs take up the space where a spare battery would traditionally be installed, meaning there is no room ergonomically to have one.
It’s worth spending £200 on an optional spare wheel
The AA says more drivers can have spare tires fitted to their new cars if they add them as an option when ordering from showrooms.
While a salesperson may not always make it clear that one is available, customers should always ask the dealer if a spare can be added.
This usually costs between €100 and €200.
For example, for a new VW Golf, adding a space saver costs £110, while Ford charges customers £200 for its best-selling Puma.
The AA says if more drivers were aware of it, they could add a spare part to their vehicle when purchasing could dramatically reduce the number of times drivers are stranded on the side of the road after discovering a defective tire inflation kit, causing them to call for help.
Half of respondents in the survey (49 percent) said they would be willing to pay to fit a spare tire in their boot, and would welcome the peace of mind that comes with the purchase.
Similarly, more than a third (35 percent) said they would hesitate to buy a car if it didn’t come with a spare tire – and the same percentage also don’t feel confident about using a tire inflation kit.
Last year, more than half of the vehicles the AA attended with flat tires did not have a spare wheel, and although AA patrols were able to carry out temporary repairs to some of these roadside tires, many required a spare wheel. immediate visit to the garage.
Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year, said: ‘The potholed road conditions in Britain are leading to many damaged tires.
“In the past, if a vehicle had a flat tire, our patrols would simply place the spare tire and motion for the member to proceed.
‘Recently, manufacturers have chosen to fit an inflation kit instead of a spare wheel. It may take our patrols a few hours to resolve the same problem.
‘Most members we visit say they would much prefer the peace of mind of having a spare wheel in the boot, even if they have to pay extra for it. As a result, we are seeing spare tire kits becoming more accessible online.”
Chris added: ‘Our advice is that all drivers check that their vehicle has a spare wheel before they need it, and if they discover their vehicle doesn’t have one, have a plan in place in case something goes wrong.
‘If they do find a spare wheel in the boot, we advise them to check whether it is usable. If they’re not sure how to do this, most garages are happy to help.’
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