Do cars not have a wheelbrace and jack anymore?

Cars haven't had a spare wheel for a long time. But I have just got a new Renault Austral. It has no jack or wheel brace. The dealer told me I shouldn't be taking the wheel off the car myself and that is why these items are no longer included. Is this common practice with manufacturers now not to supply such items?

Asked on 26 February 2024 by

Answered by David Ross

As manufacturers have increasingly substituted spare wheels for tyre repair kits to save weight and space, it is inevitable that wheel braces and jacks are also removed - not least because without a spare wheel there is no requirement to remove one of the existing wheels. However, there is nothing to stop owners from purchasing their own spare wheels, jacks and wheelbraces for complete peace of mind.

Tags: jacks spare wheel wheelbrace

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