Does the Lexus 350 Hybrid have a spare tire?

In brief: it depends on the model year and market. Most recent Lexus 350 Hybrid configurations do not include a full-size spare; instead, you may find a compact spare, a tire repair kit, or in some cases neither. Check your vehicle’s manual or trunk layout to know for sure.

Understanding spare tire configurations by year and region

Why configurations vary

Automakers have shifted toward lighter, space-saving setups, and Lexus is no exception. The spare you get can differ by year and by market (North America, Europe, etc.). Here are the common arrangements you might encounter in recent Lexus 350 Hybrid models.

• Compact spare (donut) and basic tools: Some late-model Lexus 350 Hybrid vehicles still include a small emergency spare wheel, jack, and lug wrench stored in a compartment under the cargo floor.


• Tire repair kit and inflator: A number of trims rely on a sealant-and-inflator kit instead of a spare, with a small space-saver bottle and an electric compressor included.


• No spare, roadside assistance only: In certain markets or with certain trims, there is no spare or repair kit; roadside assistance is the recommended option for tire issues.


• Notes about availability: The exact setup can vary by year, trim level, and regional packaging; always verify for your specific car.

Conclusion on the list: The variation means you should check your car's trunk layout or the owner's manual to confirm whether a spare, a repair kit, or neither is included on your Lexus 350 Hybrid.

What to do if your Lexus 350 Hybrid lacks a spare

Immediate steps for punctures and flats

If there is no spare, act promptly to handle a flat tire safely. Follow these steps to stay mobile until you can repair or replace the tire.

1. Assess the damage and determine whether the Sealant/Inflator Kit can fix the issue, if your car is equipped with one.


2. Use the kit only as directed by the manual; avoid driving long distances on a damaged tire unless the kit indicates it is safe to do so.


3. Call roadside assistance or your insurer for towing or on-site tire service if repair isn't possible.


4. Visit a tire shop or Lexus dealer to inspect and replace the tire; ensure the replacement is compatible with your vehicle's load rating and speed rating.


5. Keep emergency contact and plan in your vehicle for future incidents; consider purchasing a full-size or run-flat spare if you frequently drive in areas with limited service.

Conclusion: Even without a dedicated spare, you can stay prepared through a repair kit, roadside coverage, and prompt service to minimize downtime.

How to verify for your specific vehicle

Finding the exact configuration for your Lexus 350 Hybrid

The only reliable way to know your car's spare setup is to check the official documentation and your build details:

• Consult the owner's manual under "Tire and Spare" for the exact configuration and instructions.


• Inspect the trunk area: look for a circular storage well under the cargo floor and any separate kit bin.


• Check the glovebox or a dedicated storage area for a compact kit or a spare wheel; some models place the kit under a removable floor panel.


• Use your vehicle identification number (VIN) to verify the original equipment from a Lexus dealer or online build sheet.

Final note on verification: Because trim levels, markets, and model years vary, always confirm directly on your vehicle or with a dealer before counting on a spare for planned travel.

Summary

The presence of a spare tire on the Lexus 350 Hybrid is not universal. While some late-model versions still carry a compact spare, many recent configurations rely on a tire repair kit or, in some markets, provide no spare at all. To avoid surprises, check your owner's manual, inspect the trunk, and verify with a dealer using your VIN. Being prepared with the correct setup helps ensure you can handle a flat tire on the road with minimal disruption.

Why do hybrids not have a spare tire?

Hybrids often lack spare tires to save weight and cost, make more space for batteries and other hybrid components, and because they are often equipped with a tire repair kit instead. The weight saved from not including a spare and jack contributes to better fuel efficiency, and removing the spare frees up valuable cargo space that is needed for electrical systems. 
Space and component placement

• Battery placement: Hybrid vehicles have large batteries that require significant space. The placement of this battery often takes up the same area where a spare tire would normally be stored, especially under the rear cargo floor.
• Other components: The need to accommodate other hybrid-specific parts further limits available space. 

Weight savings

• Fuel efficiency: Removing a spare tire and jack saves between 30 to 50 pounds, which helps improve the car's overall fuel economy. 
• Cost reduction: Omitting a spare tire and its associated equipment also reduces the vehicle's manufacturing cost. 

Alternative flat tire solutions

• Tire repair kits: Many hybrids come with a tire repair kit, which includes sealant and a portable air compressor, to offer a temporary fix for a flat. 
• Roadside assistance: Some manufacturers also rely on roadside assistance services as a backup plan. 
• Run-flat tires: In some cases, a car may be equipped with run-flat tires, which have reinforced sidewalls that allow them to be driven for a limited distance at a reduced speed after a loss of air pressure. 

Does the Lexus RX 350 Hybrid have a spare tire?

Yes, the Lexus RX 350 hybrid does come with a spare tire, which is a temporary or "space-saver" type. It is typically located underneath the rear of the vehicle and is accessed by removing a panel on the back and using a specific tool to lower it. 

• Location: The spare tire is stored underneath the rear of the car, accessible from a compartment under the cargo area. 
• Type: It is a temporary spare, also known as a "donut," which is designed for short-distance, low-speed driving to a repair shop. 
• Tools: The necessary tools to lower the spare tire and change a flat are included with the vehicle. 
• How to access: To lower the tire, you will need to remove a circular cap in the back of the vehicle, which reveals a nut. You will then use a provided tool to crank the spare down. 

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. 

Does the Lexus IS 350 have a spare tire?

A- Yes, Absolutely.