Why do new cars no longer have spare tires?
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. Of the 313 separate car models analysed across all major manufacturers by the RAC, those that come with some form of spare at the time of research are: Fiat Tipo, Ford Focus (selected models), Hyundai Sante Fe (PHEV), Land Rover Defender, SEAT Ateca (selected models), Suzuki Across, Volvo XC90 (not PHEV), Toyota Land .
Do all cars carry a spare tire?
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. There is no law that says you must carry a spare tyre in your car. If you had a spare tyre and used it, you are not legally required to buy a new one to replace it. That’s because the spare tyre is not considered a vital safety feature.Today, approximately 30 percent of new cars come without a spare (up from just 5 percent in 2006) and it is estimated there are more than 30 million cars on the road that lack a spare tire. The main reason manufacturers are removing spare tires is tough new government fuel economy standards.Yes. In fact, flat tyres are one of the most common reasons why members call us out. We can remove your flat tyre and fit your spare there and then. If you don’t have a spare, all our trained mechanics carry a special spare wheel which fits most cars.To Create More Space Removing the spare tire frees up space in the car. This is especially helpful in smaller cars, electric vehicles, or hybrid cars where every inch of space matters. Automakers can use that extra room for larger batteries, extra cargo space, or other features that appeal to buyers.Your spare wheel is there as an emergency measure in case one of your normal wheels gets flat or punctured. A punctured tyre is normally unusable until the puncture has been fixed or the tyre replaced. Until that can be arranged, you will need to fit the spare wheel to allow you to continue to use the vehicle.
What if my car has no spare tire?
Using a Tire Repair Kit If you find yourself with a flat tire and no spare , a tire repair kit can be a valuable tool to have in your car. These kits provide a temporary fix for punctured tires, allowing you to continue driving until you can reach a service station. 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.You still have options if you have a flat tire and no spare. One option is to use a tire inflation kit, which typically includes a sealant and a compressor. The cement is injected into the tire to seal the puncture, and the compressor inflates the tire.Tire repair kits (sealant and a compressor) are cheaper, often costing under $30 to include. Space Optimization: Modern car designs prioritize interior room and cargo space. A spare tire well eats into trunk volume or forces compromises elsewhere, like in battery placement for hybrids and EVs.Nothing will replace a spare tyre but, if you no longer have space for one, seal kits or tyre spray products are the alternatives. Sprays are cheap but often ineffective, while puncture repair kits are normally much pricier, but more effective.
Is it illegal to not have a spare tyre in the UK?
No, in fact many manufacturers now provide tyre sealant and an inflation kits instead. However, these are only intended as a short term temporary solution, you must get your tyre repaired or replaced as soon as possible. No, in fact many manufacturers now provide tyre sealant and an inflation kits instead.
What is the alternative to a spare tire?
If a car doesn’t come with a spare tire, it will usually be equipped with a can of tire sealant and a DC-powered air compressor. Some luxury models come with run-flat tires that can be driven on for short distances with low or no air. Minor punctures through the tread can be addressed with this gear. A lot of new cars don’t have spare tires. Cars without spare tires come with a can of sealant and a battery operated air pump. The second choice are run flat tires they support the car and allow you to drive even when completely flat. Or you can always call the auto club.While many new light trucks and larger SUVs come with a spare, many new vehicles do not include a regular-sized spare. 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.Removing the spare tire frees up space in the car. This is especially helpful in smaller cars, electric vehicles, or hybrid cars where every inch of space matters. Automakers can use that extra room for larger batteries, extra cargo space, or other features that appeal to buyers.