Multi-fit wheel launched by RAC

A new multi-fit wheel has been launched by the RAC to improve roadside recovery time.

RAC is the first organisation to use the multi-wheel, which it says will go a long way in helping the 250,000 RAC members who have a puncture every year.

The organisation says it will be able to save its members 10,000 hours with the use of the multi-wheel. If members do not have a spare wheel, or if a repair isn't viable, the wheel can be replaced with the multi-fit and recovered to the nearest tyre specialist or dealer; rather than having to wait for a flatbed recovery truck.

David Bizley, director of technical at RAC said: "The majority of motorists trust that new cars are sold with a spare wheel as standard, so it's a big concern that increasingly they are not.

"Our research shows that one in three drivers had to change a wheel in the last 12 months. RAC patrols annually attend a quarter of a million tyre-related incidents so the supply of a spare is critical.

"Our new multi-fit wheel will come as welcome news to our members and we expect the time savings to continue to grow, by the summer we'll have saved a collective year and a half in time for members!"

A survey by the RAC revealed over a third of motorists hadn't organised getting a spare wheel since buying a new or secondhand car which didn't come with one.

The survey also showed a quarter of motorists said they hadn't had their spare tyre replaced or repaired since their last puncture, and 18 per cent said they carry a repair kit, and presumed that would be enough.