The Aussie Solution for Cars Without Spare Tyres: Road Hero
In recent years, a growing number of new cars are being sold without a spare tyre, leaving many drivers worried about being stuck on the side of the road with a flat. While run-flat tyres or tyre repair kits are common alternatives, they often fall short in offering a quick, reliable solution. Enter Road Hero, a budding Australian company offering a convenient spare wheel kit that aims to change the game for car owners who want peace of mind on the road.
A Growing Need for Spare Tyres
The idea behind Road Hero started with Steve Lemajic, a panel shop owner based in Sydney. While working with customers, Steve noticed that many vehicles, particularly high-end models like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Tesla, were being sold without a spare tyre, leaving owners to rely on tyre repair kits or run-flat tyres—both of which have their limitations.
One day, a customer arrived with a Road Hero spare wheel kit in his car, which included everything needed to change a flat tyre. The customer had imported it from the UK, sparking an idea in Steve’s mind.
"I thought, 'I've got to get onto this,'" said Lemajic. With his brother living in London, Steve reached out to him and began importing these space-saver spare wheel kits to Australia. What started as a small project nearly two years ago has now gained significant traction, especially among owners of luxury and electric cars.
What’s Inside a Road Hero Kit?
Road Hero kits are designed to offer everything you need to change a flat tyre quickly and safely. Each kit comes with:
- Full-diameter space-saver spare wheel
- High-visibility vest
- Heavy-duty gloves
- Warning triangle
- Wheel brace
- Scissor jack
- Rain poncho
- Head torch
- Kneeling pad
- And for Tesla owners, a Tesla-specific jacking pad.
Not only is the spare wheel included, but Road Hero also ensures that any necessary accessories, such as shorter wheel bolts for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, are included in the kit. This means that once you purchase the kit, you have everything you need to change a flat tyre on the go, without the hassle of searching for extra parts.
Affordability and Convenience
While Road Hero kits may not be the cheapest option, they offer a level of convenience and peace of mind that could save you time, money, and stress in the long run. The cost of being stuck with a flat tyre, having to wait for a tow truck, or dealing with the inconvenience of a repair service could easily exceed the price of a Road Hero kit.
The price of a Road Hero kit varies depending on the wheel size:
- 17-inch spare: $700
- 18-inch spare: $900
- 19-inch spare: $1000
"It's not cheap to import them here," Lemajic admits. "But when you weigh the cost of being stuck and having to deal with tow trucks or repairs, it's really not much more than the cost of a Road Hero."
Speed and Storage
As a space-saver spare, the Road Hero is designed for temporary use. The recommended speed limit when driving on a Road Hero spare is up to 80 km/h, ensuring safe use until you can get to a repair shop. The good news is, the Road Hero can be reused multiple times, as long as the tread remains in good condition.
In terms of storage, some larger cars can accommodate the spare wheel under the boot floor, but for most vehicles, the kit fits neatly in the boot, offering a practical solution without taking up too much space.
Availability and Custom Orders
Road Hero offers a wide range of spare wheels for popular makes and models, but availability can depend on the specific car. All you need to do is let Lemajic know your car’s make and model, and he can determine if a kit is already in stock. If not, he can place a custom order from the UK, with delivery taking approximately three months.
Looking ahead, Lemajic is hoping to partner with manufacturers to provide an approved aftermarket spare wheel solution, which would make it even easier for car owners to purchase a spare wheel directly from their dealerships.
A Growing Market
With more car manufacturers opting not to include a spare tyre, particularly for luxury, hybrid, and electric vehicles, the market for Road Hero is expected to grow. "I'd say 10% of the market of people with cars that don’t come with a spare wheel is a realistic goal," Lemajic shares. "If we get more than that, even better!"
Whether you drive a Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Tesla, or any other model that lacks a spare, Road Hero offers a practical and affordable solution to ensure you're never stranded on the road.
Why You Need a Road Hero Kit
In an age where many vehicles come with limited flat tyre solutions, the Road Hero spare wheel kit provides a simple, reliable way to handle a flat. With a full-size spare, all the necessary tools, and a focus on convenience and safety, it’s a small investment that could save you from a lot of headaches down the road.
If you're interested in getting a Road Hero spare wheel for your car, simply visit their website or contact Steve Lemajic to find the perfect kit for your needs.