Modern cars whether fossil fuel or electric don’t usually have space for a spare wheel, which can cause anxiety especially before embarking on a long road trip to rural/regional areas.
South Australians will soon benefit from an Australian-first trial that would mean their car won’t need to get towed if it needed a wheel change.
RAA Road Service South Australia is set to pilot new multi-fit wheel kits, which can be fitted to most vehicles if one of their wheels is damaged, enabling them to drive to a repairer where they can get it replaced.
In the UK the AA have been using these multi-fit kits for over 7 years with great success.
A kit comprises a slim-fit wheel and tyre with an range of interchangeable hubs and stud sets that will fit the majority of cars that don’t carry a spare, as well as caravans and some trailers.
All AA roadside service patrols carry the bright yellow wheel, which has a speed limit of 50mph and it can be fitted quickly at the roadside by the patrol.
RAA Future Motoring Specialist Simon Halford said the state’s largest member organisation had purchased four multi-fit wheel kits from UK-based manufacturer AE Oscroft & Sons:
“At RAA we’re looking for a long-term solution to help all vehicles that need a new wheel get to where they need to go for their replacement”.
“If we’re able to bring this technology in across our patrol network down the track, it will give peace of mind to all RAA members who don’t have a spare wheel in their vehicle”.
“It means they won’t need to wait for a tow for a tyre-related breakdown.”
