Spare Wheels Nearly Wiped Out in UK Cars – RAC Sounds Alarm
Only 3% of new cars sold in the UK come with a spare wheel nowadays, reveals new analysis from the RAC. This plunge puts more drivers at risk during tyre blowouts, often leaving them stranded without a backup.
RAC Study Exposes Dire Spare Wheel Decline
The RAC reviewed over 300 car models from 28 top brands – from tiny city cars to hefty 4x4s. Shockingly, just eight models (2.6%) include a spare wheel as standard—and half of those only on certain trims. Mainly, only larger, heavy-duty vehicles bother with spares these days.
This drastic drop is hitting RAC patrols hard. Last year, nearly 200,000 breakdowns involved punctures with no spare in sight – a climb from 165,000 just four years ago. The rise isn’t slowing either.
Electric Cars Kill Spare Wheel Space
EVs are making the situation worse. With huge battery packs gobbling up the space spares once occupied, the humble spare wheel is fast becoming extinct.
RAC Leads the Charge with Multi-Fit Spares
Thankfully, the RAC is ahead of the game. It was the first breakdown service to fit all its signature orange vans with multi-fit, five-stud spare wheels. Now, it’s rolling out a new four-stud version to tackle the growing army of four-stud fitted cars.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said:
“Getting a puncture is one of the most frustrating breakdowns, especially hitting potholes that plague our roads. In the past, a spare in the boot saved the day, but now they’re almost extinct in new cars.
“More drivers are calling us for help, and this trend will grow as electric cars rarely include spares. We’re innovating swiftly, rolling out multi-fit spares carried by every patrol to get people moving again.”
He added a valuable tip:
“Many new cars still offer spares as an optional extra – either a full-size or space saver. It’s a smart move if you want to avoid being stuck with a flat.”
Brits Fume Over Failing Roads & Rising Puncture Risks
The RAC’s October Report on Motoring found anger over Britain’s pothole-ridden roads has hit a nine-year high, topping worries like fuel prices.
Recent data also shows RAC patrols attended a record-breaking nearly 6,000 pothole-related breakdowns over summer – the highest since 2006.
With spares vanishing and potholes multiplying, UK drivers face bigger risks than ever on the roads. The RAC’s multi-fit wheel innovation is a welcome lifeline in a spare wheel desert.
