Why Doesn’t My Car Have a Spare Tire?
Imagine a loved one driving on a cold and snowy winter day in the middle of nowhere, and they get a flat tire. When they open the trunk to try to get the spare, they realize there isn’t one. Now what?
For many people, getting a flat tire is a rare occurrence. However, for me dealing with flat tires is a daily occurrence. Fortunately, a flat tire is usually just an inconvenience and not necessarily a safety issue. But given the possibility of a tire failure causing a safety issue, why wouldn’t a car manufacturer install a spare tire in every car, considering the relatively little extra cost?
Lower Cost
At the end of the day, cost is one of the major factors in purchasing a car. If car manufacturers can cut a few items that the consumer won’t notice in order to sell the car at a lower cost while still making a profit, they will do it.
Takes Up Room
A spare tire takes up valuable room for storage, occupancy, and suspension and driveline equipment. Even an economy spare, which is smaller than a standard tire and meant for temporary use, takes up a significant amount of space.
Fuel Economy
Weight affects the fuel economy of a vehicle, and a spare tire, including the jack, can weigh over 50 pounds. Many buyers are sensitive to the fuel economy of a vehicle, and manufacturers are always conscious of the cost of ownership to ensure they remain competitive.
Solutions?
Most manufacturers who do not include a spare tire in the car will provide run-flat tires or a sealant kit. This can help in the event of a nail or screw in the tire tread by providing a temporary solution. However, there if the damage affects the sidewall of the tire caused by a pothole or road debris, a sealant kit or run-flat tire cannot fix. In such cases, the only solution would be to have the car towed to a repair shop to have the tire replaced. This can create a significant inconvenience or even a safety issue depending on the situation. It is not unusual today for a tow provider to take several hours to get to a stranded motorist and the time only increases in poor weather.
Personally, when I look for a vehicle, I make sure that there is a spare tire included or that I can purchase one to have installed in the vehicle. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I have a reliable backup plan in case of a flat tire.