The move follows the "disappearance" of the spare wheel on vehicles, with many manufacturers now providing a tyre inflation kit instead. As a result, the number of RAC call-outs for punctures on vehicles with no spare wheel rose by 44% in the last year.
In response, the RAC is trialling a "universal" 17-inch lightweight alloy multi-fit wheel that has been developed with specialist manufacturer Dynomec and fits a high proportion of vehicles.
The scheme, which comes as the AA announces similar trials, will see RAC patrols fit the wheel then liaise with the nearest ATS Euromaster centre on their behalf to find out what replacements are available. Payment can be taken at the roadside by the RAC patrol, ensuring the customer can drive straight to ATS Euromaster, or book a mobile fitting at their convenience. The RAC will then arrange collection of the spare directly from ATS, avoiding any further hassle.
The scheme is set to offer major benefits for fleet managers who will be able to get their vehicles back on the road more quickly, saving both time and money.
Columba Zaal, ATS Euromaster’s group operations director, said: ‘All of our centres carry an extensive range of premium, mid-range and budget tyres, so we are confident we can get the majority of customers back on the road quickly. In the event that a specific tyre is not available on the shelf, we can arrange to attend any non-roadside location, such as a member’s home or place of work, on a same or next-day basis. Operating the largest mobile tyre fitting fleet in the business is a key advantage.’
Trials are taking place in South West England and Northern Ireland with some 200 patrols carrying the new wheel.
Head of RAC technical operations Phil Ryan added: ‘We are already seeing very positive results from the trials and we expect the universal wheel to become an increasingly common sight on our roads.’
