Why don’t minivans have spare tires?
Carmakers are skipping the spare because of regulatory pressure to squeeze more miles out of every gallon of fuel. Ditching the 50 or 60 pounds that a tire, wheel, and jack usually add to a car’s weight helps to increase fuel economy slightly. To improve fuel efficiency. Removing the spare can reduce a vehicle’s weight by up to 50 pounds, including the jack and lug wrench. It can also improve aerodynamics by reducing air drag from a spare tire that sits below the undercarriage of a vehicle. These two factors can affect a vehicle’s MPG.To Save Weight Spare tires are heavy. Along with the tools to change them, they can add 30 to 50 pounds to a car. By removing the spare tire, cars become lighter. A lighter car uses less fuel, which helps improve gas mileage.
Are dealerships required to give a spare tire?
No law abides the dealers from providing spare tires. You should always check your state’s lemon laws before buying a vehicle to ensure that you are not being sold a bad car. This depends entirely on the dealer who is selling his used car. 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.Most tire shops will carry spare tires. However, an increasing trend is to avoid the traditional temporary “donut” spare tire in favor of a full-sized tire that can be easily switched on your vehicle without any restrictions.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.
What to do if I have a flat tire and no spare?
If you find yourself with a flat tire and no spare, there are several options and solutions to consider. You can use a tire repair kit, purchase run-flat tires, contact a mobile tire repair company like Lug Wrench Heroes, or contact roadside assistance for help. If the damage is significant or the tire is completely flat, you will need to replace it. However, if the damage is minor, a repair may be possible. If you do not have a spare tire or are uncomfortable changing it, it is best to call for assistance.There are two main tools you can use to temporarily fix your flat without changing the tire completely (assuming your tire isn’t totally ruined): puncture sealant and a tire patch kit.
Where do I find my spare tire?
Temporary tires are generally stored in spare tire wells, which are typically located in the trunk of automobiles. Several off-road vehicles, such as Jeep models, have additional tires placed externally on the back door. Spare tires can be full-size matched spares or small donut spares. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will tell you exactly where to find the spare tire, but there are three common locations. If your car has a trunk, that’s the first place to look, as the spare is often stored underneath a cover in a floor compartment.