With the majority of new cars not having a spare wheel, it is worth considering what will happen if you get a puncture. Statistically, a motorist doing an average mileage of 12,000 miles per year has a 1 in 4 chance of suffering a flat tyre in any 12 month period.
Instead of a spare, many modern cars are supplied with a can of emergency 'get you home' foam and a tyre compressor. The canisters have a limited service life typically around 4 years and can dry out, so it is worth having a look in the boot to make sure the can is still in date.
If you suffer a flat tyre, you will need to follow the instructions and apply the emergency sealer. There may be further implications to think through in advance to ensure you are best prepared for such a situation:
- The emergency foam does not always work and you may need recovery or further assistance.
- The temporary repair will enable you to drive a limited distance at 50 mph maximum to get to a tyre specialist.
- Due to the nature of many emergency tyre products and the damage caused initially by driving on the deflated tyre, it is almost certain that the tyre specialist will decide that the tyre is beyond repair and will need replacement.
- The emergency foam will need to be replaced too, at a cost (around £30 depending on manufacturer).
In summary, if you use the emergency foam, you are probably going to have to buy a new tyre and a replacement can.
There are other options, which may include purchasing a spare wheel and the necessary tools for changing a wheel before a problem occurs.
The important point to take from this, is how will you cope if you have a puncture somewhere well away from home and your only option is recovery or it is out of hours and you need a tyre repair.
