I’ve just got yet another puncture on my 2005 Nissan Micra. The RAC came out and put the space saver wheel on for me so I can still drive around, and wrote down the “code” for the tyre so I would know what size tyre to ask for. However when I went to get a new tyre I was told I needed a new wheel as well.

This happens every time I need a new tyre and I’m getting very suspicious. I’m not technical and have very little knowledge, but I’m beginning to think the garages are taking advantage of this, as surely the idea of having tyres that detach from wheels is that you just replace the tyre?

Also, the front wheels and tyres were replaced only around 18 months ago and I’ve only done around 12,000 miles since then (on “normal” roads), so surely they should last longer than this?