A survey to check on Irish motorists’ level of awareness of how they would cope if they got a puncture on their car has shown that nearly one fifth of those questioned in on-street interviews in Dublin were not sure if they had a spare wheel in their car or not, writes Trish Whelan. The survey by Continental Tyres was partnered with content creator, Erika Crawte.
With most car manufacturers ceasing to supply spare wheels in new cars, a spare will only come with a new car if the motorists pays the optional extra cost. A tyre repair kit is now the norm in new cars. It consists of a portable compressor for re-inflating the tyre and a bottle of tyre sealant to repair the puncture.
Most questioned in Erika’s interviews were unsure how it could be used should they get a puncture.
Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland advises motorists to familiarise themselves with how it works and what you need to do if you get a puncture. “Don’t leave it until you are faced with a puncture at the side of the road to learn how you actually go about using the repair kit.”
Most motorists said they would call a mobile repair unit to sort out the problem. Continental Tyres have an online video demonstrating how to use the sealant kit. https://www.continental-tyres.co.uk/products/car/technical-services-ok/contimobilitykit/
