A majority of European motorists would not attempt to deal with a flat tyre at the roadside themselves, according to a survey commissioned by Apollo Tyres.
The study shows that 54% would rely on others to help change a flat tyre, while 46% would use the car’s spare tyre or inflation kit. While 16% would ask for help from a family member, friend or colleague, while 32% would rely on a breakdown service to help.
Significantly, 11% of the 6,000 motorists polled said they didn’t even know if their vehicle was fitted with a spare tyre or emergency tyre inflation kit. Younger people are more likely to say they have never checked whether their car was equipped to deal with a flat tyre, with 16% of those aged 18 to 24 versus 8% of those over 65.
Not possible to deal with flat tyre
Older motorists are more likely to tackle a flat tyre repair themselves. The survey found that 52% of motorists aged 55 to 64 would use a spare tyre or inflation kit, compared to 45% of those aged 18 to 24. Women are less likely to deal with a puncture themselves in order to continue their journey, with 34% saying they would attempt to use a spare tyre or inflation kit compared to 62% of men.
“In some situations it might not be possible for a stranded motorist to contact someone for assistance to deal with a puncture, so it is important that they have the essential knowledge and equipment to continue their journey,” said Yves Pouliquen, Group Head of Sales and Marketing at Apollo Tyres.
“Our survey suggests that younger drivers are least likely to tackle a puncture themselves, so it might be very beneficial for guidance to be provided to everyone learning to drive, and for that knowledge to be assessed as part of the test procedure.”
