Do all Ford cars come with a spare tire?
Not every Ford car comes with a spare tire. It varies by model and trim; many newer Ford vehicles use a tire repair kit or run-flat tires instead of a traditional spare.
Why spare tires aren’t universal across Ford models
The presence of a spare tire depends on packaging decisions Ford makes for each model year, as well as the powertrain. Space, weight, and cost considerations have led Ford to offer tire repair kits or run-flat tires on many newer vehicles, particularly hybrids and electric models. Some trucks and certain gasoline-powered cars still include a traditional spare, but this is not guaranteed across the lineup.
Where you’re likely to find a spare vs. an alternative
Across Ford’s current lineup, you’ll encounter one of these setups, depending on the model and trim:
- Traditional spare tire (full-size or temporary) in some non-EV gasoline-powered cars and certain trucks.
- Tire repair kit with sealant and a portable air compressor, or run-flat tires, in many newer models, especially hybrids, SUVs, and fully electric vehicles.
- No spare in some trims or configurations, with Ford’s roadside assistance program providing support if you have a flat.
To avoid surprises, verify the exact equipment for your specific vehicle by checking the window sticker, the owner's manual, or asking a dealer for the model-year and trim details.
What to do if you have a flat and your Ford lacks a spare
If your Ford doesn’t include a spare tire, here are practical steps to take in a roadside situation:
- Follow the kit’s instructions if you have a tire repair kit to seal and inflate the punctured tire, and drive carefully to a service shop if the tire can be safely repaired.
- Use Ford Roadside Assistance or the vehicle’s connected services to arrange towing or a tire replacement if necessary.
- Avoid driving long distances on a repaired or repaired-sealed tire; replace the tire with a proper spare or new tire as soon as possible.
Keep in mind that safety and speed limits apply when using a sealant kit, and not all punctures are repairable. Your owner’s manual will provide model-specific guidance.
How to check your exact Ford configuration
To determine whether your particular Ford model includes a spare, perform these quick checks: look in the cargo area under the floor or in a wheel well, and review the window sticker (Monroney label) or the owner’s manual for “Spare Tire” versus “Tire Repair Kit.” The dealer can also confirm the equipment for your exact model year and trim.
Summary
Spare tire availability in Ford vehicles is not universal. Some models still ship with a traditional spare, especially certain trucks and gasoline-powered cars, but many newer Ford vehicles—particularly hybrids and electrics—rely on tire repair kits or run-flat tires. Always verify the specific equipment for your vehicle’s year, trim, and drivetrain to know what you’ll have on hand in the event of a flat.
What to do if I have a flat tire and no spare?
If you have a flat tire and no spare, your best options are to call for professional roadside assistance or use a tire repair kit. You can also try to temporarily inflate the tire with a portable compressor if the damage is minor, which may allow you to drive slowly to a repair shop.
Immediate actions
- Pull over to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights and, if possible, place warning triangles or cones behind your vehicle to alert other drivers.
- Assess the damage. Look to see if it's a simple puncture or more severe damage, and note if there is any air left in the tire.
Options for a flat tire with no spare
- Use a tire repair kit. Many newer cars come with a kit instead of a spare tire. This typically includes a can of sealant and a portable air compressor to inflate the tire.
- Follow the kit's instructions to inject sealant into the tire and then inflate it to a temporary pressure. This is a temporary fix to get you to a repair shop.
- Call roadside assistance. Contact your insurance provider or a service like AAA for help. They can tow your vehicle to a nearby mechanic or provide on-site repair if possible.
- Try inflating with a portable compressor. If the tire has air but is low, use a portable compressor (plugs into the car's cigarette lighter) to inflate it enough to drive to a shop. Do not drive if the tire is completely flat, as this can cause permanent damage.
- Take the wheel to a shop. If you have the tools but no spare, you can remove the flat wheel, take it to a tire shop for repair or replacement, and then bring the new or repaired wheel back to your car.
What to do after the immediate fix
- Visit a professional. Whether you used a repair kit or inflated the tire, your next step should be to get to a tire shop for a proper repair or new tire as soon as possible.
- Inform the mechanic. If you used a sealant, let the shop know so they can be prepared when they take the tire off the rim.
Why do new cars no longer have spare tires?
New cars don't come with a spare tire to reduce weight for better fuel economy, save manufacturing costs, and create more space for other features like batteries or cargo. Many vehicles now include alternatives to a spare, such as tire repair kits or run-flat tires.
Reasons for removing spare tires
- Weight and efficiency: Removing the spare tire and jack saves 30 to 50 pounds, which improves the car's fuel efficiency and helps manufacturers meet EPA guidelines.
- Cost savings: Eliminating the spare tire and the components needed to mount it saves the manufacturer money on materials and production.
- More space: Removing the spare tire creates extra space, which can be used for larger batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles, increased cargo room, or other features.
- Alternative solutions: Many cars now come with a tire repair kit, which includes sealant and an air pump for temporary fixes. Luxury or performance models may feature run-flat tires, which can be driven for a limited distance after a puncture.
What this means for drivers
- Check before you buy: Don't assume a new car has a spare. Check the vehicle's specifications to see if it includes one or a repair kit.
- Be prepared: If your car has a tire repair kit instead of a spare, familiarize yourself with how to use it. It's a temporary solution meant to get you to a repair shop.
- Consider roadside assistance: With the elimination of spare tires, many drivers rely on roadside assistance for flat tires.
Do all Fords have spare tires?
Not all Ford vehicles come with a spare wheel as standard. Please check with your Ford dealer for model availability. If a spare wheel is not included, then your vehicle will be supplied with a tyre mobility kit, designed to quickly restore mobility in the event of a puncture.
Are dealerships supposed to give you a spare tire?
No, dealerships are not legally required to provide a spare tire, as many new cars no longer come equipped with one from the manufacturer to save weight and improve fuel economy. Some new cars now include a tire repair kit as a replacement. When buying a car, you should ask about a spare tire to ensure it is included, and for used cars, check for the spare and its condition, as it may not have been included or may need to be added.
For new cars
- Manufacturer's decision: Automakers decide whether to include a spare tire from the factory based on model design.
- Tire repair kits: It is common for new cars to come with a tire inflation and sealant kit instead of a spare.
- Weight and fuel efficiency: The trend away from spare tires is to reduce vehicle weight, which slightly improves gas mileage.
For used cars
- No legal obligation: Dealers are generally not legally obligated to provide a spare tire with a used vehicle.
- Check what's included: It is crucial to verify if the car originally had a spare and if it is still present.
- Ask the dealer: You should ask the dealer about the spare tire before you buy the car.
What to do if there is no spare
- Ask about a kit: Check if the car comes with a tire repair kit and an air compressor.
- Negotiate the price: You can ask the dealer to include a spare tire and tools as part of the purchase agreement.
- Purchase one yourself: You can buy a spare tire kit yourself to ensure you have a working spare.
- Inspect the spare: If the car does have a spare, check its air pressure and condition to ensure it is usable.
