Feeling a bit deflated? We’ve all had a flat tyre. But what’s the best way to fix it?
The spare wheel versus repair kit debate is one that gets many drivers revving like a racing engine, particularly if they’re buying a new car. The majority of new motors ‑ nine out of 10 according to website Honest John ‑ are sold without a full-size spare wheel. In most cases the spare is replaced with a repair kit that is designed to get you back on the road and to somewhere where you can buy a replacement tyre.
A flat tyre is likely to afflict every driver at some point in their motoring life. Changing wheels is the second most popular reason that customers call Green Flag out. And according to tyre maker Continental, drivers suffer a puncture on average every 44,000 miles or five years. So having something that can replace a flat tyre is clearly important. But in the spare wheel versus repair kit argument, which comes out on top? We investigate.
What’s wrong with the good old-fashioned spare wheel?
Car makers say they’re under increasing pressure to fit more equipment into cars. We take it for granted that they’ll have electric this and power-assisted that, in addition to air-conditioning and entertainment systems. All this kit takes up space. Throw in that petrol-electric hybrid cars frequently need the area under the boot to fit the petrol tank (the batteries now go where that usually lives) and in some cars there is simply no room for something that may never be used.
Why do drivers like them?
It’s undoubtedly reassuring to know that if you get a flat tyre, you can continue your journey with only the minor delay that a smooth wheel change can incur. But according to Continental, drivers who think that could be labouring under a misconception. The tyre maker claims that only 70 per cent of spare tyres are ever fitted when required. This is because many are underinflated, otherwise not fit to be used, or the driver can’t get the wheel off to change the tyre.
How do puncture repair kits work?
The kit includes a latex sealant that is forced into the tyre through the valve and a compressor. This runs off the car’s 12-volt power outlet and inflates the tyre. The theory is that the sealant will plug the hole when it’s put under pressure, enabling you to get home.
What are their benefits
Obviously weight and space weigh heavily on their side. These repair kits weigh a fraction of the 20kg a full-size spare wheel tips the scales at. And as they’re about half the size of a car battery, they take up a lot less space than a wheel. According to Continental, they will offer a temporary fix for four out of five punctures. And they will enable you to do 300-400 miles, thereby safely getting you off the roadside. Not having to mess about with a jack and wheel brace is a bonus too.
What are their disadvantages
For every one in five flat tyres they don’t work. For example, if you hit a kerb and cause significant damage to the sidewall of the tyre a repair kit won’t do the job. And if your tyre suffers a sudden structural failure – more commonly known as a blow out – they certainly won’t help. In addition, the inside of the tyre and wheel will be covered in a mousse like substance. Although they can be cleaned and repaired, contrary to what some say, many fitters will refuse because it’s such an unpleasant job.
What about space savers?
Around 25 per cent of new cars come with space savers. These are skinny wheels designed, as the name suggests, to cut down on the amount of room a spare takes up. Of course you still have to change the wheel. And once the space saver is on, your speed is limited to 50mph and range limited frequently to 50 miles, for safety reasons. On top of that, there’s every chance that the full-size wheel with the flat won’t fit in the spare wheel well.
And run flats?
These are also known as self-supporting tyres because they use the rigid sidewalls rather than air pressure to support the car if they’re punctured. Of course, you don’t have to change the wheel. And they’re so effective at disguising a puncture that some drivers have had to rely on their Tyre Pressure Monitoring System to discover their tyre had lost air pressure. However, the downside is that the ride can be on the firm side with these because of those rigid sidewalls.
Are self-sealing tyres the future?
This is a relatively new and increasingly popular innovation in the world of tyres. The tyres are fitted with an air-proof layer inside which seals punctures in the tread area. Richard Durance from Continental explained: “Our research shows 95 per cent of punctures are caused by objects up to 5mm in diameter. The self-sealing tyre will cope with that and you’ll be able to continue driving, probably without even knowing you’ve had a puncture.”
Verdict
Spare versus repair? Let’s be honest, every one of these solutions feels like a compromise. But probably the best answer is the self-sealing tyre. However, there are still downsides. In this case you’re likely to pay a bit more for tyres that mend themselves. Whether that’s a worthy price for the convenience of never having to change a tyre again is a personal choice.
When it comes to deciding between a spare wheel, repair kit, or self-sealing tyre, I honestly think it comes down to personal preference. There will always be downsides to whatever method you choose. I’d assume that people would be aware of those shortcomings when they choose that method.
Full size spare wheel for me. I purchase a spare will each time I change my vehicle if they don’t come with a spare wheel.
Doing away with a spare wheel is cost saving at it’s most dangerous,shame on car manufacturers.
I think it’s more to do with shape/style/fashion that they can’t fit a spare wheel. My spare wheel is on the outside of the vehicle, not ideal because it makes the back door quite heavy. But I’d rather that than “no” spare.
I have a v mokka with space saver wheel to get home if needed might save a lot of time
Have dealt with 2 punctures in the last 3 years (2 different vehicles) one on sidewall the other on corner of tread. Sealant was useless on both instances. I bought a spare for my Touran, which now remains in the bootspace. An inconvenience well worth it for peace of mind.
I might be very unlucky, but I had 3 punctures in the last 6 months. Every time a different tyre. I had to buy a new one, repair one and use the kit for another. 2 tyres+repair+repair kit, £230
I understand the rationale for these repair kits, which includes maximising fuel economy figures. Over the years I have had cars with a full size spare and a space saver. Two months ago I got a car with a repair kit. I have had one or more punctures with every car I have ever owned, except the latest. A full size spare was the best of all the options (no change to max speed, to change to max load, place for the old wheel/tyre). Indeed the cars with space savers had such deep wells and a foam block, that I think they probably were designed for full size spares in countries where you don’t want to be stranded.
When I had a blowout destroy my tyre, in Germany on the autobahn late on Saturday night, it was great to be able to replace the tyre with a real spare and carry on with the holiday until I could find a local tyre replacement, rather than struggle to with the
I am of the opinion that central government austerity is causing local councils to cut down on street cleaning, which increases the amount of debris in the road, which increases the number of punctures. I am reassured that I have an 80% chance of fixing it, but less pleased that for the 20%, I may have to buy a tyre and a new wheel.
I fill so strongly about not having a spare wheel/space saver that I have walked away from a dealership when I have found out that there cars don’t come with a spare.
Give me a full size spare wheel every time for the extra bit of fuel you might use. These kits are a waste of time.
My experience is that driving at speeds of 50 mph or so out of town, is that in the time I have recognised the flat tyre and then stopped, the tyre is destroyed ( huge damage to tyre-wall through rolling ) and only a spare-wheel can help. This has been the case with my last three punctures over 15 years or so.
I therefore always carry a spare of some type – full-size if I am going on holiday, mini-one for local.
“For every one in five flat tyres they don’t work.” – Rubbish mate. i’ve never had a situation where a puncture repair kit will do the job. they are as useful as a waterproof teabag.
I have a fiat 500 and have recently had a puncture as I have no spare wheel I used the puncture repair kit which worked thankfully, however I enquired about a replacement sealant at my main dealer and was told that they have to order this from italy at a cost of almost £40 and it will take a week to arrive. Let’s hope I don’t have another puncture in the meantime.
If you can do it keep a full size spare or space saver on board
And for what it costs keep the repair kit with your spare
That way you get a choice and when your on a busy road and a blast from a can will do it use it
According to me repair kit is the best best carry with you. because Sometime spare tire also become flat tire. That time repair kit is best for you.
My last car had a space saver spare wheel, when I had a puncture I could not free the punctured wheel from the hub, due to it being seized, as I didn’t have a hammer or tools I had to call out the breakdown service anyway, I am of the belief that (in a perfect world), a spare wheel is the best option, because no matter how damaged the tyre is it works, however at least with the repair kit, even if the wheel is fused to the hub, as mine was, there is a chance of repairing the puncture.
yes but if the tyre was split, if you only had the repair kit, you would have had to wait for a recovery loader to take you to a garage. If everything closed out of hours, you would be stranded until a tyre replacement sourced and fitted. At least the recovery vehicle could release your wheel bolts and fit your spare, 15 minute job, continue your journey. If your repair slime kit wont work for whatever reason, and its late at night, bank holiday, maybe in dark country lane, fast tracking brushing against your backside, having to wait several hours for a flat bed to take you out of danger and dump you somewhere?
Good luck. I would never buy a car where the manufacturer is too tight fisted and cares less for their buyers well being to supply a £120 get you home wheel with fittings.
In 20 years of motoring, all of my cars have had a space saver spare wheels, I always checked the pressure in case it was ever required, however during all of that time, on the one occasion I needed to use it, the punctured wheel was seized onto the hub, I didn’t have a hammer or required tools to release it, so had to call out roadside assistance anyway, I am of the belief that, (in a perfect world), a spare tyre is the best solution, because no matter how damaged the punctured tyre is it works, however, as in my situation, a tyre repair kit would have offered a chance to continue my journey with minimal delay, no solution is perfect, they all have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
A while back, with my previous car, I had a puncture. No spare wheel, only repair kit. Initially I was pleased, as it worked as advertised. However, when I went to get the tyre repaired, I was told it couldn’t be repaired because I used the gunk from the repair kit. So I had to buy a new tyre. I also had to replace the now used bottle of gunk: it cost as much as the new tyre (yes I could have bought a cheaper third-party one, but I didn’t want to risk it)! Since I decided that if I could, I would go spare wheel again in my next car.
New car (only just got it) again came with a repair kit, but I asked them to fit the optional spare space saver wheel kit (yes, extra cost involved), so that if I end up with a puncture again, I can just put the spare on, and get the punctured tyre sorted.
Thank you for all the information
I’ve got run flats on one of my cars at present and I’m worried about having to limit the distance to 50 miles in the event of a puncture, especially when heading for a ferry. I don’t find the ride uncomfortable but the tyres are more expensive than non-run flats and there is less choice. It actually means that I cannot buy a decent brand of all-season tyre. I’ve thought of switching to non-run flats to get all-season but worry about using a repair kit as in the past they haven’t worked. By the way I learned a trick to get seized wheels off their hubs. Obviously you need to be careful, but lowering the wheel gently into a block of wood on the ground, placed under one edge of the tyre, is often sufficient to prise the wheel off the hub. I always carry a suitable price of wood with me in my other car now, which does have a spare. It saves having to hit the wheel which can cause damage and often doesn’t work.
Switch to non-runflats and with the saving buy an aftermarket space-saver spare. Of course it takes up space. Also get a telescopic wrench so you can get leverage on the nuts. Before having one these, I was forced to call for assistance but afterwards it’s no problem.
Get yourself a real spare, could save you thousands and your life
I have my third fiat Punto and the latest has a repair kit which is now out of date. Replacement kit apparently is £54. I wish I had done as previous cars and bought a spare wheel and tyre. I now decided to order two inflator kits at £8 and try my luck. I think that my breakdown company will be getting a call firstly.
Bought a car with sealant kit and no spare. I bought a spare on ebay, and will carry both.