Does Bolt EV come with a spare tire?
The Bolt EV does not include a traditional spare tire; instead, it ships with a tire repair kit that includes a sealant and inflator for temporary repairs.
In practice, Chevrolet's Bolt EV and Bolt EUV configurations have generally foregone a spare in favor of the repair kit to save space and weight. This explainer lays out what is included, how to handle tire issues when they occur, and what options exist if you want a spare wheel on top of the standard setup.
What comes standard
The Bolt's standard tire setup emphasizes a repair kit rather than a full spare. This section lists what's normally included and what isn't.
- Tire sealant and inflator kit for temporary repairs
- No traditional spare tire or wheel
- Sealant kit typically has an expiration and should be replaced as needed
In practice, the repair kit is designed to get you to a service location. It is not a substitute for a full tire replacement, so you should plan to have the tire inspected or replaced soon after using the kit.
What to do in a flat or damaged tire
When you encounter a tire problem, follow these steps to stay safe and get back on the road quickly.
- Safely pull over to a secure location and assess the damage
- If the puncture is compatible with the sealant kit, follow the kit's instructions to seal and inflate the tire
- Drive conservatively to the nearest tire shop or service center; avoid highway speeds and long distances
- Replace the tire or the kit as soon as possible; a professional repair may be required if damage is extensive
Keep in mind that many tire issues cannot be repaired with sealant—such as large holes or sidewall damage. In those cases, you will need roadside assistance or a full tire replacement.
Optional: Adding a spare
Having a spare can be helpful, but it is not standard for the Bolt. Some markets or dealers offer official accessory spare wheel kits, while others do not. If you want a spare, consult a Chevrolet dealer about approved options and fitment for your model year.
GM-approved spare wheel options
Chevrolet may offer optional spare wheel kits as official accessories for certain Bolt configurations. Always confirm compatibility with your specific model year and tire size before purchasing.
Aftermarket considerations
Some third-party solutions exist, but they can affect clearance, wheel well space, and warranty terms. If you pursue an aftermarket spare, verify compatibility with your vehicle and consult Chevrolet documentation or your dealer.
Summary
Bottom line: The Bolt EV typically ships without a traditional spare tire, relying instead on a tire sealant and inflator kit for temporary fixes. If a spare is important, check with a Chevrolet dealer about official accessories or plan for joint use with roadside assistance on longer trips.
Does the Bolt EV come with a spare tire?
Chevrolet Bolt EV models do not have factory-supplied spare tires. Furthermore, the Bolt EV does have a somewhat unique wheel lug-bolt pattern compared to other car models. Modern Spare has sourced a rugged steel wheel with the precise bolt pattern and in the proper diameter needed for your Bolt.
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.
Do any EVs come with spare tires?
Nearly every full EV on the market has no spare wheel at all, and only some are fitted with dedicated run-flat tyres. For people based in metropolitan areas, within easy reach of roadside assistance and replacement tyres, that isn't necessarily a major problem.
Does the Chevy Bolt have run flat tires?
Bolts have never come with run flat tires. Just self seal.
