Many UK drivers assume they must carry a spare tyre to stay legal, but the rules might surprise you. This guide explains whether a spare tyre is a legal requirement, why so many drivers still choose to carry one, and what your best alternatives are. From breakdown cover to run flat tyres, discover how to stay safe and mobile after a puncture.
There are plenty of things that you cannot legally drive without.
Insurance is one of them. A valid MOT is another. But what about a spare tyre to use if and when you suffer a puncture on the road?
Well, contrary to popular belief, a spare tyre is not so much a legal requirement as it is a convenient investment and something that vehicle owners are recommended to have. There is no legal requirement that you carry a spare tyre.
With that said then, why do so many people have spare tyres in their boot or fixed to the outside of their vehicle?
Why Do People Have Spare Tyres?
Because there is no legal requirement to have or carry a spare tyre in the UK, you might be wondering why people have them.
In short, it all comes down to convenience and the ability to change a tyre on the roadside and carry on your journey – at least until you reach the next garage or tyre retailer.
While spare tyres are not as long lasting or as high in quality as normal tyres and cannot therefore be relied upon for long stretches or driving or distance, they can at least be used until you are able to properly replace the tyre.
Therefore, spare tyres prevent extended hold ups to a journey and are relied upon by countless vehicle owners who want to get home and deal with a blown tyre tomorrow.
What’s the Alternative to Carrying a Spare Tyre?
If you don’t have the space for a spare tyre but still want to ensure that you can get safely back on the road following a puncture or blown tyre, then there are two main things that should consider.
The first is breakdown assistance cover, usually provided by a company like the AA or RAC in the UK. If you do intend to rely on this, you will need to ensure that the level of cover you pay for includes punctured or blown tyres as part of the recovery package.
The second is investing in run flat tyres for your vehicle, which enable you to keep driving even after the outer surface rubber has suffered a puncture. Run flat tyres boast a reinforced sidewall which means that the tyres can be driven on even after a puncture or blowout, ensuring that drivers can get to a garage safely and change their tyre for a new one.
Either of these options can prove a viable alternative to carrying around a spare tyre.
