Why dont I have a spare tire?
Many modern vehicles no longer come equipped with a traditional spare tire. Instead, automakers have opted for alternative solutions like tire repair kits or run-flat tires. This shift is driven by factors like weight reduction, cost savings, and increased cargo space. However, the lack of a spare tire can leave drivers stranded if they experience a flat tire on the road.
Reasons Why Vehicles Lack Spare Tires
- Weight Reduction: Removing the spare tire can reduce a vehicle's overall weight, leading to improved fuel efficiency and performance. This aligns with automakers' efforts to make cars more environmentally friendly and cost-effective to operate.
- Cost Savings: Spare tires and the associated hardware, such as a jack and lug wrench, add to the manufacturing cost of a vehicle. Eliminating the spare tire allows automakers to reduce the base price of the car.
- Increased Cargo Space: The space occupied by a spare tire can be used to provide more storage or passenger room, making the vehicle more practical and versatile for consumers.
- Tire Repair Kits: Many automakers have replaced the traditional spare tire with a tire repair kit, which includes a sealant and an air compressor. These kits are designed to temporarily fix a flat tire, allowing the driver to reach a service station.
- Run-Flat Tires: Some vehicles are equipped with run-flat tires, which can continue to be driven for a limited distance even after a puncture. This eliminates the need for a spare tire, as the driver can still reach a service station to have the tire repaired or replaced.
While the lack of a spare tire may be inconvenient for some drivers, automakers have implemented these changes to meet the evolving needs and preferences of modern consumers.
Preparing for a Flat Tire Without a Spare
If your vehicle doesn't have a spare tire, it's essential to be prepared for a potential flat tire. Here are some tips to consider:
- Familiarize yourself with the tire repair kit or run-flat tires in your vehicle and understand how to use them effectively.
- Keep the contact information for roadside assistance or a towing service readily available in case you need to call for help.
- Consider investing in a portable air compressor or a can of tire sealant to keep in your vehicle as a backup option.
- Be aware of the nearest service stations or tire shops in your area in case you need to have a flat tire repaired or replaced.
By understanding the reasons behind the lack of spare tires and being prepared with alternative solutions, you can minimize the inconvenience of a flat tire and ensure a safe and smooth driving experience.
Why does my car have no spare tire?
Most new cars omit a full-size spare for a combination of engineering, cost, regulatory and consumer-priorities reasons. The decision reflects trade-offs between weight, space, fuel economy, cost, and the availability of alternative solutions.
Is it illegal to not have a spare tire?
If they are worn or damaged. Using them can be illegal. Certain vehicle types like minibuses or vehicles with more than nine seats.
What do I do if I don't have a spare tire?
If you have no spare tire, your options are to use a tire repair kit for a temporary fix, call for roadside assistance, or, if your car is at home, inflate the tire with an air compressor and drive it slowly to a mechanic. For a quick roadside fix, a repair kit can seal small punctures and reinflate the tire, but this is only a temporary solution to get you to a repair shop. For long-term safety, you can also purchase a spare tire or opt for run-flat tires.
Immediate actions
This video demonstrates how to use a tire repair kit to fix a flat tire: 48sHeidi and Franny SailingYouTube · Dec 24, 2016
- Use a tire repair kit: If your car is equipped with one, use the sealant and compressor to temporarily fix a small puncture. This is a temporary fix and you should still go to a mechanic soon.
- Call roadside assistance: If you have a membership like AAA, or if your insurance includes it, call for assistance. They can either tow your vehicle to a shop or, in some cases, a technician may be able to repair the tire on-site.
- Inflate the tire (if at home): If you're at home and have an air compressor, inflate the tire and slowly drive to a nearby tire shop for a proper repair or replacement.
- Pull over safely: If the flat happens on the road, pull over to a safe spot, turn on your hazard lights, and assess your options. Do not attempt to drive on a severely flat tire.
Long-term solutions
This video explains why some cars don't come with a spare tire: 1mHistory of Simple ThingsYouTube · May 17, 2025
- Buy a spare tire: You can purchase a spare tire, a jack, and the necessary tools to keep in your vehicle.
- Install run-flat tires: These are designed to be driven on for a limited distance after they have a puncture, giving you time to get to a service center.
- Consider self-sealing tires: These tires have an internal lining that seals small punctures automatically.
What to carry in your car
Hazard triangles or road flares, A flashlight, A tire repair kit or an air compressor, and A phone number for roadside assistance.
What percentage of cars don't have spare tires?
60%
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE: About 60% of new vehicles don't include a spare tire, as Consumer Reports explains. Make sure you have a spare ready to roll before you are faced with a flat! (ABC 6 News) — A flat tire is always a bummer, butCharge more, get less!!
