‘Space saver’ spare wheels and puncture repair kits may help minimise vehicle weight, but according to a poll conducted by independent car buying guide, Carbuyer.co.uk motorists much prefer to have a full-size spare tyre. Indeed the ‘space saver’ spare – or having no spare wheel at all – is drivers’ top irritation about the latest cars, according to the poll. More than 1,000 motorists were asked which modern car features annoy them most, with 650 listing having no full-size spare as their biggest gripe.
Ranking second in the list of annoyances was the engine stop-start system, while some features introduced for driver convenience also annoy a significant number of motorists, such as the automatic handbrake (third least popular feature), followed by keyless entry, inaccurate satellite navigation systems and interior hazard warning sounds.
James Batchelor from Carbuyer said, “Modern cars bristle with innovations designed for efficiency and convenience, but our research proves the adage that you can’t please all of the people all of the time. The absence of a full-size spare appears to be overwhelmingly unpopular with drivers, doubtless because both alternative solutions are such inconvenient temporary solutions to a flat tyre. Removing the standard spare does allow for more storage space and helps to cut CO2 emissions by reducing weight, but these benefits don’t impress most motorists.
“Continuing your journey on a speed-limited wheel – or using a temporary repair kit – are deeply unpopular options for an overwhelming majority of drivers.”
