[Bevdeforges]

I have yet to find a hire vehicle with a spare wheel ( or the means to change it ie locking nut key).

Depends on how new the vehicle is, but it is more and more common that new vehicles you purchase have no spare tire. Generally, you get a kit that includes the foam stuff you squirt into the tire to seal it and then a little pump. A tire repaired in that way will only go a limited distance - so only to the closest garage for repair.

 

[Bevdeforges]

It may also be a question of the "purpose" of the grocery store car rental. I gather that they aren't looking to compete with the biggies like Hertz or Avis - i.e. for vacationers - but rather to provide a fairly cheap and simple option for folks who need a car for a few days to use locally.