What if my car has no spare tire?
If your car has no spare tire, you can't swap a wheel on the roadside. Instead, you’ll rely on alternatives such as a tire sealant kit or run-flat tires, or you’ll need roadside assistance to get you to a repair shop.
Why some cars ship without a spare
Automakers increasingly omit spare tires to save weight, reduce cost, and make room for other features or technologies. Advances in tire design, including run-flat tires and compact tire repair kits, provide temporary mobility without a traditional spare. This shift affects how drivers respond to a flat and how quickly they can get back on the road.
What this means for you
Without a spare in the trunk, you’ll generally rely on a repair kit, a run-flat setup, or a roadside-assistance plan to recover from a puncture. Knowing your vehicle’s exact configuration and having a plan can prevent delays, especially on longer trips or in areas with limited service options.
What to do right now if you have a flat with no spare
When you experience a tire failure, safety and rapid access to professional help are the priorities. Use the following steps as a guide to minimize risk and downtime.
- Safely steer to a secure location off the road; turn on hazard lights and engage the parking brake.
- Inspect the tire for punctures, sidewall damage, or blowouts. If the tire is severely damaged, do not drive on it.
- If you have a tire sealant kit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to seal small punctures and reinflate the tire; this is usually a temporary measure intended to reach a shop.
- If you have run-flat tires, you may be able to drive a limited distance at reduced speed to a repair facility; consult your owner’s manual for exact distance and speed limits.
- Contact roadside assistance or your insurer/manufacturer program to arrange towing or on-site tire service.
- Avoid driving long distances on a compromised tire; if you cannot reach a shop safely, arrange a tow.
These steps prioritize safety and getting you to professional help quickly, especially when you lack a traditional spare.
Long-term preparedness: options for staying mobile without a spare
There are several approaches to minimize downtime and keep you moving after a tire issue. Each option has its own trade-offs in cost, weight, space, and convenience.
- Install a spare tire (full-size or space-saving donut) if your vehicle’s trunk or storage area can accommodate it and the wheel size is compatible with your vehicle.
- Use run-flat tires (if your vehicle is designed for them) so you can continue driving for a limited distance after a puncture.
- Carry a tire repair kit with a sealant and a portable air compressor to seal small punctures and reinflate the tire to reach a shop.
- Keep a reliable roadside assistance plan or program in place for towing, on-site tire changes, or delivery of a replacement tire.
- Consider a mobile tire service that can come to your location to patch, repair, or replace a tire, depending on what’s needed and your location.
Preparing with one or more of these options can reduce downtime and give you options when service networks are far away or during off-hours.
Special considerations and tips
Check your owner’s manual for specifics on your car’s tire setup, including whether run-flat tires or a tire sealant kit are recommended, and any speed/distance limits. Some markets or lease programs may have requirements about spares or kits. If you frequently drive in isolated areas or with family, designing a preparedness plan can help you avoid getting stranded.
Summary
Modern cars without a spare rely on alternatives like tire sealant kits and run-flat tires, along with roadside assistance, to restore mobility after a puncture. Understanding your vehicle’s configuration, choosing a preparedness approach, and knowing how to react safely can minimize downtime and keep you moving until a proper repair or tire replacement is performed.
