E is for...

Essentials

Forget what car makers tell you – tyre sealant is no substitute for a spare wheel. 

In the event of a puncture, we would rather get our hands dirty and be back on the road in minutes by fitting a spare than rely on a can of gunk to limp to the nearest tyre fitter. 

But don’t assume your new car will have one – makers increasingly ditch spares to cut their models’ fuel consumption and emissions. So, find out if your potential buy does and, if not, whether a spare will fit in the back. Space savers typically cost around £75 – money well spent if you suffer a flat.