By , Jeff S. Bartlett
Published October 10, 2016
Thirty-six percent of 2015 model-year vehicles were sold without a spare tire, according to a new report from AAA.
Why? Automakers want to boost their fleet fuel economy averages, and removing the spare tire can lower vehicle weight by 30 pounds. (When it comes to mpg, every pound counts.)
In place place of the spare tire are run-flat tires or an emergency flat-tire inflation kit (with an aerosol sealant and a compact air compressor).
Run-flat tires do provide extended mobility to get off of the road to a safe zone or allow one to limp home or drive to a local service provider for replacement. But replacements are sometimes hard to find and can be expensive.
Emergency flat-tire inflation kits are just a temporary fix and can tackle only small tread punctures. Never use one attempt to seal a sidewall puncture or cuts. Instead, call for roadside assistance. (Learn more about roadside assistance options.)
What's more, AAA says, using an inflator kit could damage to the tire pressure monitoring sensor.
When you're buying a new car, find out whether it comes with a spare tire or an inflation kit. In many cases, even though a spare tire might not come with a car, it could be readily available through the dealership.
When weighing the decision of what you would prefer, remember there is the inconvenience and expense of having to buy sealant refill kits from the dealership after using the tire sealant system that came with the car to make a tire repair.
There are numerous choices in aftermarket sealant systems. Look for products that claim to be safe for the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and/or are water soluble, as they will be easier for the repair shop to clean up, potentially reducing the cost for the inevitable professional repair. Also, check the directions for storage, as some cannot withstand the high temperatures inside a car in summer. (Read “Convenient Tire Sealants to Fix a Flat Tire.”)
All tires lose pressure over time, which is why we recommend including your spare as part of a monthly tire pressure check. If it's been awhile since you checked the spare tire, chances are it is low or even flat. (See our tire pressure gauge buying guide and Ratings.)
Download the AAA's list of vehicles without a spare tire (PDF).
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