More FAQs about our breakdown cover Flat tyres – The mechanic will remove the old tyre and fit a new one. Engine, clutch and other problems – If it’s more serious, you’ll have to go to a garage for repairs.

While it’s a useful feature to have – no-one wants to be stranded with a flat tyre – there is no legal requirement to have a spare wheel in your vehicle. In fact, the RAC estimates that 90 per cent of new cars don’t come with a spare wheel. Most now feature either run-flat tyres, or repair foam and a compressor.

Spare tyres In the UK it is not a legal requirement to carry a spare tyre, but it is advisable. If you do have one remember to carry out these safety checks on that one too, although legally if it is stowed away then it doesn’t need to be up to legal standards – it just makes sense to keep it that way.

Today, most new cars and trucks still come with a jack and a spare, however, there are some models that do not in an attempt to save weight and increase fuel economy. Both types of car jacks come in many shapes and sizes to lift small cars, heavier large cars, and higher-riding trucks and SUVs.

7. If you have a tire blowout and don’t have a spare or feel safe replacing it yourself, call roadside assistance and wait outside your car until they arrive. If you have a blowout while driving you should keep calm and navigate your way to safety. Knowledge is power, as they say.

When your tire blows out on the highway, here is what you need to do: Grip steering wheel firmly and do not slam on brakes. Let your car slow down gradually by taking your foot off the gas pedal. Brake lightly once off the road until you come to a stop.

Now, most experts say that it’s better to have a blowout in the front. Blowouts are dangerous because they adversely effect the car’s handling. If the blowout is in the rear, there’s really nothing you can do; you have no control over the rear end of the car.