Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Daniel  Zaustin of Carsguide dares to mention that many of us can't or won't change tyres on our cars.

Any why would we? Most new cars have a 3-5 year roadside assistance package built into the new car and frankly if you get something for free, why not utilize the service?

Using the excuse, I don't know how to change a tyre would seem to indicate that as a reasonable out, but frankly from a personal viewpoint, if I'm travelling somewhere on an appointment, I don't see how or why I'm going to get my clothes dirty or rumpled trying to do so. I have changed a tyre or three in my motoring life, but I'd really prefer someone else to do that for me.

And the ladies? No chance thanks. it's a phone call to the motoring service or their significant other first. Nor would I expect my wife to do the doing part - a jack is cumbersome, a spare is heavy and the wheels are generally dirty. Phone a friend I say.

All Volkswagens come standard with a 3 year unlimited kilometre warranty and 3 years roadside assistance. Of course after the warranty expires, there are options to extend that for another 2 years and include the roadside assistance. After that, I'd suggest the RACQ as my preferred roadside team

If you'd like to know more about new Volkswagen vehicles, including the drive away specials which finish in June, drop into Northstar VW at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula or check out our website at www.northstarvw.com.au .

People don’t want to get their clothes dirty.

Hang your head in shame, Australia. It seems we’re as bad as the Brits on changing a flat.

UK research shows 36 per cent of Brits don’t know how to change a tyre -- and four per cent don’t know if they even have a spare. And the NRMA says Australians are reluctant to grab hold of a spare as well.

The NRMA’s Tim Pomroy says that while a flat tyre is one of the most common call-outs for their roadside assistance, it’s not always because callers can’t change the flat.

“Many people in Australia call for roadside assistance not because they can’t necessarily change a tyre but because they don’t want to,” Pomroy says. “A lot of people are on their way to work when it happens and don’t want to get their clothes dirty.”

In the UK, the research into flat tyres by British repair company Kwik Fit, suggested that the poor result was a symptom of the confusion caused by differing practices among car manufacturers.

Drivers reported varying methods offered by manufacturers to deal with a flat tyre, from smaller space saver tyres to providing a puncture repair kit instead of a spare tyre, Kwik Fit’s UK communications director Roger Griggs says.

“The recent trend among car manufacturers to offer space-saver spares or puncture repair kits instead of full-size spare tyres could be the cause of this confusion among motorists,” said Griggs.

“It’s is worrying how many drivers don’t know what provision they have for a puncture, but it’s even more of a concern to see how many have absolutely nothing in their car to deal with a deflated tyre.

“There are clearly gaps in knowledge around how to change a tyre, and indeed many cars are missing tools, which means even if a spare is carried some motorists will struggle to swap it over.”