Scrapping spare wheels from the basic set on new cars, integrated with the increase of harmful potholes on UK roads, has led to roadside breakdowns rising by practically 200,000 in 2016.
The AA recorded 3.63million phone calls last year, up from 3.45m in 2015. The breakdown service provider stated much of this was down to the truth much more new cars have ditched spare wheels in favour of run-flat tyres or a bottle of tyre sealant.
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Last year, the RAC as well as the AA went to almost 180,000 phone calls where a motorist had a flat tyre, however had no spare. In fact, a third of new cars and trucks today are offered without a spare, as vehicle makers look to save on area as well as weight. president of the AA, Edmund King told car reveal he would like to see spares “as at least an choice on new cars” to assist avoid motorists from being stranded at the roadside.
Punctures are ending up being progressively typical as motorists battle against failing roads (see opposite). The UK currently faces a 14-year backlog on pothole repairs, with the most recent reports showing a 19 per cent decrease in repair services by regional councils across England as well as Wales.