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Although the trend for repair kits isn't likely to slow, one manufacturer, at least, has identified the problem, which was brought to its attention by a number of fleets snubbing cars without spare wheels.
"If we've ever had a car without a space saver then we've taken calls asking for it," explains Julian Lea, product manager at Lexus GB. "In cars with a space saver we've never taken a call asking for the extra boot space. There are some corporate customers that insist on at least a space saver and won't take a car that only has an inflation kit."
Lexus is now offering its forthcoming NX small off-roader only with a space-saver spare
wheel, although there's no word on exactly how much that eats into the boot space.
Lea continues: "UK customers much prefer a space saver even if it decreases boot space. The UK [NX] will be specified with a space saver on all models. There will be no change to the deck height, but it reduces under-floor storage."
Despite the supposed benefits of mobile repair kits, the general consensus among the fleet and the wider tyre and breakdown industries is that a good old-fashioned spare wheel or space-saver is far superior.
"[A spare is] far more useable because a technician can fix [the vehicle with] it," says Ryan. "Repair kits can work in the hands of someone who knows what they're doing, but more tyres are shredded now than just getting a straight puncture, particularly with low-profile tyres, and no repair kit will solve that.
"Customers are often surprised when vehicles don't have [a spare tyre]. Many people wouldn't have a clue and if you're a sales rep for a, b, or c company then it's not on your mind to think about that sort of thing."
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