Spare wheels

yes GM, we had to pay extra for a spare wheel in 2014, I have never used it and could not for a long journey anyway because I recently found out that they are not the exact size of the wheels on the car. So I have carried this spare wheel under my boot for 9 years, however the biggest advantage, apart from the lack of worry, is that it means that my boot does not have a lip, so I can roll/pull heavy bags out, such as gravel and compost. Plus I can put my bike in because of the flat floor

No wonder cars like mine have retained their value and then some. I had a nose on we buy any car and I was offered a lot more than expected. It will never be sold, I think it will become a cult car in future

My dad taught me how to change a wheel, in the days when when nuts were not impossible to undo. I have AA coverage and always carry my phone when in the car, just in case

I’ve had 2 new cars in the past 25 years and neither came with a spare as standard and I paid extra for one. Current car bought 8 years ago I think the spare wheel was £400 extra. They are referred to as space saver wheels and aren’t as robust as the normal ones. It’s stored in a deep recess under a lid in the boot. They are really only intended for temporary use and shouldn’t be driven at over 50 mph. I used to be able to change the wheel but now rely on the AA to come to my rescue.

My car, purchased 2007, doesn’t have a spare wheel nor any space for one. Instead it has a puncture repair kit which I wouldn’t dream of trying out. I have always had breakdown cover.

We grew up in an age when being self-sufficient whilst driving was very important. I'm sure, like most of you, I had the mantra of drilled into me: know how to change a wheel, always carry a can of petrol and a torch etc.

However, changing a wheel is more fraught now - roads are busier, and it is often unsafe. Mobile phone use means that it is now much more sensible to call your breakdown service and let them deal with it - even if they do it roadside they will do it quicker and with flashing lights to warn other road users.

As I wouldn't attempt to change a wheel now, carrying a spare isn't an issue.

Not really. I had a flat tyre and was able to use the pump thing that blows up the tyre and plugs the hole. I could then drive to a tyre repair shop but I would never be able to change a tyre without help.

Gosh! Not having bought a car for years now, I was totally unaware.
These days with the huge number of potholes, surely a spare is de rigeur?

I bought a spare wheel when I bought my car new 12 years ago, it sits happily in my boot surrounded by the numerous 'just in case' items. Never used it , but it is reassuring. They supply as standard a foam filler for small punctures, but wouldn't solve a blowout!
I know that some of the new cars nowadays have 'run flat' tyres which will get you home or to a garage, but again, I doubt they would survive a blowout.

This has been ‘normal’ for many years. Apparently, it’s known that the majority of spares are never actually used and as smaller cars are more popular now, there’s a substantial saving in space and cost, plus the extra weight saving of carrying a full-size spare. It’s also been shown that when a spare is used, the majority of motorists don’t bother to replace it. Similarly, people don’t maintain their spare and they’re often useless/under inflated when needed. Of course many cars do have a ‘get you home spare’ and others like BMW and Mini have run flat tyres.
I’m not saying it’s ideal, but it’s standard practice now.

This has been the norm for many years now. It saves both money and weight for manufacturers. Many owners do buy a spare but often there is no purpose built space to put it. My current car has no spare nor space for it. After five years the inevitable happened and I suffered a flat tyre. My breakdown cover came to my rescue, collecting the car and taking it to my preferred tyrefitter. Fortunately my wife was able tomcollect me and sominconvenience was minimised. Incidentally, I pay £26 per annum for my breakdown cover and the service was first class. (Start is the company.)