Some vehicles are sold without a spare wheel, either full-sized or a space saver. Instead, they might come with a puncture repair kit that can include a tyre sealant and an inflator. I know of one second-hand imported vehicle that had no spare wheel, spare tyre, or puncture repair kit!

For example, electric vehicles don’t seem to come with a spare wheel because of the space needed to house the batteries.

I was talking to the Automobile Assn (AA) about this situation and asked their advice about what happens if you don’t have a spare wheel or spare tyre and you need help to repair a puncture when you are a long way away from the nearest garage etc.

I was advised that, the AA won’t attempt repairs using your puncture repair kit and that they don’t carry such kits either. In these circumstances, the best the AA can do is to arrange a tow truck for you so that your car can be towed, at your expense, to the nearest garage.

However, if you carry a spare tyre or a spare wheel, the AA can get you going again.

I realise that most people should be able to use a puncture repair kit to make temporary repairs when there is a puncture, but some people mightn’t be able to do this and might have to rely on places like the AA for help.

The AA advised that they don’t recommend the use of puncture repair kits as they aren’t always reliable. In addition, the AA doesn’t repair punctures as part of their service.

So, if you purchase a vehicle that doesn’t come with a spare wheel, would you think it’s a good idea to carry a spare tyre or even buy a space-saver wheel?

But if you’re happy with a puncture repair kit, what type would you recommend purchasing and what should it contain? Thanks for your help with this.