November 29, 2022

Do I Need to Carry a Spare Tyre at all Times?

The case for and against spare tyres has occurred mainly with the advent of run flat tyres becoming more dominant in the market.

Your four tyres are a crucial part of your car’s equipment and in the event of a puncture or blowout a spare is ideal, but you may be surprised to know that carrying a spare is not actually a legal requirement. Manufacturers have responded to international requirements of weight loss to cut down CO2 emissions. Many premium cars now have run flat tyres making a spare unnecessary.

A run flat’s reinforced sidewall means it can still be used even in the event of a puncture. The pressure is measured by a PMS (Pressure Measuring System), and you are able to drive on for a period of time until you can get to a place to replace it. However, run flat tyres cannot be repaired and have a shorter life span too.

Also having a spare tyre is not a requirement for you to get your car through its MOT either.

For those without run flat tyres a spare will allow you to pull over and change the punctured or blown-out tyre. This will avoid costly roadside service. Of course, this will also require you to have all the tools to replace a tyre.

What Happens If I Get A Flat Tyre In A Hire Car?

Firstly, when you notice a puncture, don’t panic, indicate to go to the hard shoulder on a motorway or the side of the road on a main road. Determine whether you can still drive the vehicle safely and if so, drive cautiously to the closest garage for repair.

Punctures can however be repaired at the roadside using a puncture repair kit, provided in your hire car. This has the advantage of saving both space and weight. The repair kit itself will give you instructions for how to repair a puncture using a sealant and tyre inflater pack. Doing this is a lot less strenuous than changing a tyre too.

If the tyre is unrepairable though, within the paperwork that is provided when collecting the vehicle there will be a telephone number for the office who will assist and arrange for the breakdown assistance to collect the vehicle take it to the closest garage for repair.

You can read on here to find out more about what to do if you get a flat tyre.

Who Is Responsible for the Repair if I Get a Flat Tyre in a Hire Car?

Depending on the contract that has been agreed, if the vehicle is returned to the supplier with damage or the repair isn’t to the standard required, the lead driver could be liable to pay for the repair, which can vary depending on the cost of the tyre, plus an administration fee from the supplier.

Do I need a spare tyre to pass MOT?

Having a spare tyre is not a requirement to pass an MOT, although it is always advised to carry one regardless.

Is it illegal to drive without a spare tyre?

Nom carrying a spare tyre is not in fact a legal driving requirement in the UK. However we do of course recommend you carry a spare tyre with you at all times.

How far can you drive on a spare tyre?

It is recommend to drive no further than 50 miles at a maximum speed of 50mph on a spare tyre. This is because the handling will be different due to the spare tyre being different to your other tyres, so take care.

What should I do if I get a flat tyre with no spare?

If you have a tyre repair kit to hand, then use that. If not, contact roadside assistance.

How much does a spare tyre cost?

Spare tyre prices ultimately depend on your vehicle type and size, though they can cost anything between £50-£250 and upwards per tyre.