Is my car supposed to come with a spare tire?

Yes, in most cases, your car should come equipped with a spare tire. Spare tires are a standard feature included with the purchase of a new vehicle to provide a temporary replacement in the event of a flat tire or other tire-related issue. However, the specific details can vary depending on the make, model, and year of your car.

Understanding Spare Tires in Vehicles

Spare tires are a common safety feature found in the majority of passenger vehicles. They are designed to be a temporary replacement for a damaged or flat tire, allowing you to safely drive to a tire repair shop or your destination. Spare tires are typically stored in the trunk or under the vehicle, and they are usually smaller in size than the regular tires on your car.

Factors That Affect Spare Tire Inclusion

While spare tires are a standard feature, there are a few factors that can influence whether your car comes with one:

• Vehicle Type: Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, are more likely to come equipped with a full-size spare tire, while smaller cars may have a compact or "donut" spare tire.


• Manufacturer Decisions: Some automakers have opted to exclude spare tires in recent years to save weight and improve fuel efficiency. In these cases, a tire repair kit or run-flat tires may be provided instead.


• Trim Level: Higher-end trim levels of a vehicle are more likely to include a spare tire as standard equipment, while lower-trim models may have it as an optional add-on.

It's important to check your owner's manual or consult with your dealer to determine the specific spare tire configuration for your vehicle.

Importance of Maintaining Your Spare Tire

Even if your car comes with a spare tire, it's crucial to ensure that it is properly maintained. This includes regularly checking the tire's air pressure and ensuring that the necessary tools (jack, lug wrench, etc.) are in good working order. Neglecting the spare tire can lead to issues if you ever need to use it.

Why didn't my car come with a spare tire?

Your car does not have a spare tire to save weight, reduce manufacturing costs, and create more interior and trunk space. Automakers have also replaced them with alternatives like tire repair kits (sealant and an air pump) or run-flat tires, which can be driven for a short distance after a puncture. 
Reasons for eliminating spare tires

• Weight reduction: Removing the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench saves a significant amount of weight, which helps improve fuel economy and meet government regulations. 
• Cost savings: Eliminating the spare tire and its related hardware reduces the overall cost of manufacturing the vehicle. 
• More space: The space traditionally used for a spare tire can be repurposed for other features, such as a larger battery in electric vehicles, more cargo space, or other components. 
• Alternative solutions: Modern technology offers other options for dealing with flats: 
  • Tire repair kits: Many cars now come with a sealant and an air compressor to temporarily fix a flat tire. 
  • Run-flat tires: These are designed to be driven on for a limited distance (e.g., up to 50 miles) at reduced speed after losing air pressure. 

What to do if you have a flat

• If your car came with a repair kit, use it according to the instructions. Be aware that these are often intended as a temporary fix to get you to a repair shop, and they may not work for all types of tire damage. 
• If your car has run-flat tires, check the owner's manual to understand the limitations on speed and distance before needing a replacement. 
• If you are unsure whether your vehicle came with a spare or an alternative, check your owner's manual or the paperwork that came with your car.

What percentage of cars come with a spare tire?

Only 10 percent of cars are equipped with a full-sized spare. Just under 50 percent come with a space-saver or "donut" tire.

Is a new car supposed to come with a spare tire?

No, many new cars do not come with spare tires, with some models including alternatives like run-flat tires or a tire sealant and inflation kit. Manufacturers are removing them to save weight, improve fuel economy, and reduce costs, and drivers are often surprised to discover their new car lacks one. 
Alternatives to spare tires

• Run-flat tires: These tires have reinforced sidewalls that allow a driver to continue driving for a limited distance at a reduced speed after a puncture.
• Tire sealant and inflation kit: This kit includes a sealant and a small air compressor to patch a small puncture and temporarily inflate the tire, getting the driver to a repair shop.
• No backup: Some vehicles may come with no spare tire and no alternative, leaving the driver to rely on roadside assistance or a tow truck in the event of a flat. 

Why new cars don't have spare tires

• Weight reduction: Removing the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench reduces the overall weight of the vehicle, which can improve fuel economy. 
• Cost savings: Skipping the spare and associated equipment lowers manufacturing costs. 
• Space: Eliminating the spare tire frees up space in the trunk, which can be particularly important for smaller vehicles or those with hybrid/electric components in that area. 

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.