Letters: How are hybrid cars supposed to carry a spare tyre in France?

To the Editor,

My wife and I moved to the Correze permanently in 2016 and have driven French registered cars from the outset, both Peugeot and Renault. 

The latest car is a hybrid, which has been fantastic since the majority of our journeys are less than 50km. 

However, there are no hybrid cars that carry a spare wheel – full size or ‘get you home variety’ - as the batteries take up all the relevant space. 

In our time in France, we have suffered three tyre blowouts – and I do mean blowouts not normal punctures as we have had two of those as well. 

Two of these blowouts have been in the hybrid – one on the way to Italy in the summer and one locally last week. 

Without any type of spare wheel you are stuck. 

I acknowledge that we have probably dinged the odd kerb so are not blameless for the issue, however, it still leaves us stuck on the side of road. 

Last week my wife waited three hours for a truck to carry the car about 1km to the garage as they did not have their own tow truck.

We are all being advised to move to electric / hybrid cars without the issue of spare wheels being acknowledged. 

Certainly, the motor industry is not helping since I understand that many petrol/diesel cars no longer have spares either.

Maybe I should invest some money as the biggest growth industry in France is likely to be companies manufacturing and running tow trucks.

Chris Duncan, by email

Do you have an electric or hybrid car in France? Do you carry a spare tyre? Let us know your experience at letters@connexionfrance.com