Change is the only constant they say, and with time, we evolve in multiple ways, and thus, automobiles should be no different. We’ve seen technology trickling down from the top to everyday cars in today’s age. But the new trend that has started at the lower end of the pyramid this time is the fad of tyre repair kits.
Gone are the days of the tubed tyres (well, almost), and most of us dread the thought of a flat tyre, let alone going beyond. But, in the case of an unfortunate event, there is always a spare tyre to the rescue, or so we thought. With each passing day, a tyre repair kit is slowly becoming the norm across the board, be it price segments, body styles, brands, or the like.
OEMs have their own reasons, some of them really good, to fit a tyre repair kit in lieu of the spare wheel. The most obvious yet not spoken out loud reason is the cost saving. Compared to a spare tyre and wheel (more so if it is an alloy), the tyre puncture kits save a big chunk in costs, and these savings are multi-fold based on the popularity of the said car. Funnily enough, these cost savings are rarely passed on to the end consumer.
What enables automakers to offer a tyre repair kit are also improvements on multiple fronts, be it the road infrastructure, technology, and quality of tyres, and then some more. The fact that this kit also aids in saving space when you have a CNG tank in the boot is fair play in my opinion. Another highlight is the knowledge and experience you gain from fixing a tyre on your own, and that should help you out in the future, should such experiences happen time and again. If you consider the possibility of a roadside tyre shop of a remote town looting you of time and money due to your knowledge or the lack thereof, then this is a subtle move in making owners and drivers of cars more independent too.