Why do new cars no longer have spare tires?

Many new cars no longer include a spare tire. Instead manufacturers rely on run-flat tires or tire repair kits to save space, weight, and cost, while roadside-assistance programs cover most emergencies.

What has driven the change

The shift away from a traditional spare tire has been propelled by a combination of design, efficiency, and cost considerations. Lighter vehicles with larger interiors, and especially electric vehicles with battery packs, benefit from reducing weight and reclaiming trunk space. Automakers also aim to lower manufacturing costs and simplify warranty and service processes. In parallel, consumer expectations have evolved toward quicker, more networked roadside support rather than carrying a bulky spare. These factors have led to a broader adoption of alternative solutions.

Beyond weight and space, manufacturers weigh performance and safety trade-offs. Run-flat tires offer continued mobility after a puncture, but may ride less smoothly and wear differently than standard tires. Repair kits provide a lightweight, inexpensive fix for small punctures, yet they are not suitable for all tire damage. The overall package—tire technology, vehicle electronics, and service networks—shapes what ends up under the car.

What replaces the spare tire

Here are the main options you’ll encounter on modern cars. Each option has its own trade-offs in cost, weight, and usability.

• Run-flat tires — allow limited driving after a puncture, typically at reduced speed and distance, enabling a trip to a service center without changing the tire on the roadside.


• Tire repair kits (sealant plus inflator) — provide a quick, lightweight fix for small punctures but may not seal larger damage and can be unsuitable for longer trips or high-speed driving.


• Space-saving donuts (spare wheels) on select trims — a smaller spare that takes up less trunk space but offers limited mileage and speed compared with a full-size spare.


• Portable air compressors with sealant kits — compact solutions that can fix or temporarily inflate a damaged tire, often used in conjunction with a repair kit.


• Roadside assistance programs — many manufacturers bundle or offer these services, reducing the need for a spare by providing on-demand help or towing.

Availability varies by market, model, and trim. Some buyers still see a spare on certain models, while others get only a repair kit or run-flat tires. Run-flat tires are common on many mid- to high-range vehicles, and increasingly on some economy models.

Regional and model differences

United States and Canada

In North America, the trend toward omitting a spare tire has accelerated in recent years. Many new passenger cars ship with a tire repair kit or run-flat tires, and roadside assistance is often included as part of a warranty or optional plan. Donuts or full-size spares are less common, especially on compact and efficiency-focused models.

Europe

European manufacturers have long prioritized weight reduction and interior space, so many European models ship without a spare. Run-flat tires are widely used, and tire repair kits as an alternative are common. Some models still offer a space saver spare on higher trims or in certain markets.

Electric vehicles and hybrids

Battery-heavy electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids increasingly rely on space-saving designs and repair options rather than a traditional spare. Some EVs include a repair kit; a few offer a compact spare as an optional feature. The choice often hinges on range, weight, and cost considerations in the model’s design.

What to consider if you want a spare

If a spare matters to you, here are practical steps to take when shopping or after purchase.

1. Check whether your chosen model includes a spare, what type it is (donut, full-size, or none), and whether a tire repair kit is provided.


2. Decide between a full-size spare, a space saver (donut), a run-flat tire, or a repair kit based on your driving patterns and service network.


3. Ensure you understand TPMS implications and wheel/tire compatibility if you add a spare or replace options.


4. Factor in trunk space, weight, and potential cost for maintenance or replacement of the spare setup.

In regions with robust roadside assistance networks, many drivers opt for repair kits over a spare, but a spare may still make sense for remote travel or in areas with limited service coverage.

Summary

The disappearance of spare tires from many new vehicles mirrors a broader push toward lighter, more space-efficient designs. Alternatives such as run-flat tires, repair kits, and roadside assistance are common, with regional and model differences shaping what you’ll find on any given car. For buyers seeking reassurance, it’s worth confirming the exact setup before purchase and considering an aftermarket spare if desired. This ongoing shift emphasizes flexibility in emergency plans and the importance of knowing your vehicle’s repair options.

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:

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 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.