Spares, Punctures and Roadside

Lost the key or stripped the pattern? Here’s how to safely remove a locking wheel nut without the key in Australia — plus what a replacement set costs.

What a remote-area tyre repair kit really needs for outback Australia — plug kits, compressor, bead breaker and spares — plus why two spares beat one kit.

Tyre plugs vs patches vs combination internal repairs explained for Australia — which is a proper permanent fix, which is emergency-only, and why.

What does fixing a puncture cost in Australia? Typical in-store prices, what a proper repair includes, and when a new tyre is the cheaper call.

Do you really need two spare tyres to cross the Simpson Desert or Cape York? When a second spare is worth it, and when one spare plus a kit is enough.

Mounting a second spare on your 4WD? Keep the number plate and lights visible, watch rear overhang and axle load, and confirm the rules with your state.

Space-saver spares in Australia: how fast (usually 80km/h), how far you can drive, correct pressure, which axle to fit it on, and when to swap back.

Can you swap a space-saver for a full-size spare in Australia? Boot-well clearance, matching size, load and speed rating, AWD cautions and storage explained.

Why do some cars get a tyre repair kit and others a spare wheel? Weight, cost and EV packaging explained, plus what a kit can and can’t fix in Australia.