Why do new cars have no spare tire?

Most new cars today ship without a traditional spare tire. Instead, manufacturers typically provide a tire repair kit with a sealant and a small air compressor, or run-flat tires that allow limited driving after a puncture, while roadside assistance covers longer trips. This approach saves weight, frees up trunk space, and reduces manufacturing costs.

Why spare tires are disappearing from new cars

What replaces the spare

Automakers have moved away from full-size spares toward lighter, space-saving alternatives designed to get you back on the road quickly or to enable service at a distance. Here are the most common replacements you’ll encounter.

• Tire repair kit with sealant and a portable air compressor


• Run-flat tires that let you drive a limited distance at a reduced speed after a puncture


• Space-saver (compact) spare wheel on some trims


• Reliance on roadside assistance networks and mobile tire service

Availability varies by model, market, and trim, and some brands still offer a traditional spare as an optional extra.

What this means for drivers

Without a traditional spare, drivers should understand how their setup affects punctures and travel. The following points outline the practical implications you’ll likely encounter.

• If you have run-flat tires, know the manufacturer’s recommended distance and speed limits after a puncture


• If you rely on a tire repair kit, familiarize yourself with its safe use and limitations


• Check whether your vehicle includes a space-saver spare or none at all


• Keep a reliable roadside assistance plan or service network for longer trips or remote areas

In practice, the lack of a spare shifts some risk management to the chosen tire package and to support services, so understanding your specific vehicle is essential.

Staying prepared when your vehicle lacks a spare

For drivers who want extra assurance, consider these practical options and habits to stay prepared on the road.

• Carry a portable tire inflator and sealant kit if your car does not use run-flat tires


• Ensure you have a robust roadside assistance plan or membership with 24/7 coverage


• Evaluate adding a traditional spare wheel for trips through areas with limited service


• Regularly monitor tire condition and respond promptly to TPMS alerts or unusual wear

Choosing the right level of preparedness depends on your driving patterns, climate, and typical travel distances.

Summary

In summary, many new cars omit a traditional spare tire to save weight, space, and cost. Replacements include tire repair kits, run-flat tires, or space-saving spares, with roadside assistance serving as a safety net. Consumers should verify their vehicle’s exact configuration and consider additional preparedness based on their usual routes and needs.

Are new cars being sold without spare tires?

About one-third of new vehicles are not equipped with a full-size spare tire. Instead, many are equipped with a space-saver (donut) spare or tire sealant and inflation kit. Getting a flat tire is a major hassle and can be costly.

What do you do if you have a flat tire and no spare?

If you have a flat tire and no spare, immediately pull over to a safe location. Your best options are to use a tire repair kit to temporarily seal and inflate the tire to get to a shop, call for roadside assistance for a tow, or use an air compressor to inflate the tire enough to drive slowly to a mechanic. 
This video demonstrates how to use a tire repair kit to fix a flat tire: 59sHeidi and Franny SailingYouTube · Dec 24, 2016
Immediate actions

• Pull over safely: Get your vehicle completely off the road to a safe, level spot away from traffic. 
• Call for help: Contact roadside assistance through a service like AAA or your insurance provider. They can tow your vehicle to a repair shop if the tire cannot be fixed on the spot. 
• Consider a tire repair kit: If you have a tire repair kit, you can use it to create a temporary fix for small punctures. These kits typically include a sealant and/or plugs to patch the hole, along with an air compressor. 
• Use an air compressor: If you have a portable air compressor that plugs into your car's power outlet, you can use it to inflate the tire. Drive slowly to a repair shop, as this is a temporary solution and the tire will likely lose air again. 

Important considerations

• Sidewall damage: Tire repair kits and compressors cannot fix damage to the tire's sidewall. In these cases, a tow is necessary. 
• Tire plugs are temporary: A tire plug is a temporary fix designed to get you to a repair shop. A proper, permanent repair involves patching the tire from the inside. 
• Check your car's capabilities: Some modern cars don't come with a spare and instead have a special kit for emergencies. 
• Stay safe: If you don't feel comfortable performing any of these steps, it is safest to call for professional help. 

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. 

Why did they stop putting spare tires in cars?

Full‐size spare tires began disappearing from many new cars in the 1990s and 2000s as manufacturers pursued weight, space and cost savings; by the 2010s their use had shifted from common to optional or limited mostly to larger vehicles. Key milestones and trends: