Does the Lexus LS500 have a spare tire?
No—the current Lexus LS500 generally does not include a traditional spare tire. Instead, it ships with a tire repair kit that includes a sealant and an air compressor, and a donut-style spare is not standard. Availability of a spare can vary by market or trim, but in most regions you’ll rely on the repair kit or roadside assistance for tire issues.
This article explains the spare-tire setup on the LS500, how the repair kit works, and what to do if you encounter a flat away from service, including regional variations and optional accessories.
Spare tire status and what comes with the LS500
In recent model years, Lexus has moved away from including a full-size spare on the LS500. The standard containment is a tire repair kit—with a sealant and an inflator—to address small punctures enough to reach service. A physical spare wheel (full-size or donut) is not part of the standard equipment for most markets, though an optional spare wheel kit may be offered in some regions or trims.
What’s included in place of a spare
The typical kit is a compact tire sealant bottle and an air compressor that attaches to the 12V power outlet. This setup is designed to seal small punctures and inflate the tire long enough to reach a repair shop. There is no built-in donut spare in standard configurations for most markets.
To summarize the available options for LS500 owners and travelers, consider the following:
- A tire sealant kit with inflator is standard in most markets.
- An optional compact spare donut wheel may be offered in some markets or trims.
- Roadside assistance or Lexus-supported service can help if the repair kit cannot resolve the issue.
In practice, this means you typically won't have a spare wheel in the trunk; you rely on the repair kit for temporary fixes, or you call roadside assistance if the tire cannot be repaired on the spot.
What to do if you get a flat away from service
Here are practical steps to handle a flat in an LS500 when you don't have a spare wheel on hand:
- Pull safely over to a secure area and turn on hazard lights.
- Open the trunk and locate the tire repair kit with the sealant and inflator, and read the included instructions.
- If the puncture is suitable for the kit, use the compressor and sealant as directed to seal and inflate the tire.
- Drive cautiously to the nearest service center or tire shop to have the tire professionally inspected or repaired; avoid high speeds and long distances.
- If the puncture cannot be sealed or the tire is severely damaged, contact roadside assistance or your Lexus dealer for help and alternatives.
Remember that the repair kit is a temporary solution, not a replacement for a proper tire. Check your owner's manual for any distance or speed guidelines and consider adding roadside assistance or an optional spare wheel if you frequently travel in areas with limited service.
Summary
Across most current LS500 configurations, Lexus opts for a tire repair kit instead of a traditional spare tire, with an optional spare kit available in some markets or trims. If you want extra peace of mind on long trips or remote routes, verify your vehicle’s exact equipment with a dealer and consider an optional spare kit or a roadside assistance plan. The focus remains on getting you safely to a repair shop rather than carrying a full spare in the trunk.
