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The Disappearing Spare Tire
What Every Car Buyer Needs to Know
2/10/26 - For decades, a spare tire was considered a basic safety feature. If you got a flat, you pulled over, changed the tire, and continued on your way. Today, many consumers are learning — often at the worst possible moment — that their new vehicle doesn’t have a spare tire at all.
Instead, automakers are increasingly selling vehicles with nothing more than a small air compressor, a bottle of sealant, or in some cases, no backup equipment whatsoever. This quiet shift has left many drivers stranded, frustrated, and facing unexpected towing and repair costs.
Why New Cars Often Don’t Include a Spare Tire
Automakers have been steadily removing spare tires in an effort to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel economy. Lighter vehicles help manufacturers meet efficiency standards and reduce production costs. But while this change benefits manufacturers, it often creates real-world problems for consumers.
According to Consumer Reports, vehicles sold since 2020 break down roughly as follows:
- Only 9% include a full-size spare tire
- 46% include a temporary “donut” spare
- 34% come with only a compressor and tire sealant kit
- Approximately 4% include no flat-tire solution at all
For many drivers, this means a single pothole or piece of road debris can leave them completely dependent on roadside assistance or a tow truck.
Why “Fix-a-Flat” Kits Are Not a Real Substitute
Tire sealant kits are often marketed as a modern replacement for spare tires. In reality, they only work in very limited situations.
Sealant kits typically do not work if:
- The damage is in the sidewall
- The tire has suffered a blowout
- The puncture is too large
- The tire pressure dropped too low before the driver noticed
These scenarios are common — especially with potholes, highway debris, and curb damage — which means many drivers discover too late that their emergency kit is useless.
What Consumers Should Check Immediately
If you own or are shopping for a vehicle, it’s important not to assume anything about what is included.
Check your vehicle now:
- Look under the trunk floor or cargo mat
- Check beneath the rear of the vehicle for an externally mounted spar
- Identify whether you have a spare tire, a donut, or only a sealant kit
If you see molded foam, a small compressor, or a bottle of sealant, you likely do not have a spare tire.
Confirm your exact trim level. Two vehicles that look identical can have very different equipment depending on trim level and options. Review the window sticker, owner’s manual, or VIN-specific equipment list. If you’re buying a used vehicle, do not rely on online listings. Many sellers incorrectly assume a spare tire is included.
What to Ask Before Buying a Car
If you’re purchasing a new or used vehicle, don’t ask whether it has a spare tire. Ask the dealer to physically open the trunk and show you what is included.
If the vehicle does not have a spare:
- Ask whether one can be added
- Negotiate to have a spare included in the deal
- Ask whether the vehicle is designed to safely store on
- Confirm whether adding a spare affects cargo space or vehicle performance
These are reasonable questions — and asking them before signing paperwork can save significant expense later.
Should You Buy a Spare Tire Separately?
For many consumers, purchasing a spare tire after the fact is worth considering. While spare tires are not inexpensive, towing and emergency roadside services can be far more costly — especially at night, during bad weather, or in remote areas. Before purchasing a spare, make sure to confirm:
- Correct wheel size and bolt pattern
- Brake clearance (particularly important for hybrids and electric vehicles)
- Whether your vehicle includes a jack and lug wrench (many do not)
- Safe storage options
In many cases, the cost of a spare tire is less than the cost of a single tow.
The Consumer Takeaway
The elimination of spare tires is a significant change that many buyers do not discover until after the sale — and sometimes not until they are stranded.
Consumers should be informed about what safety equipment is included in their vehicles and should not assume that long-standing features are still standard.
If you believe important safety information was not clearly disclosed during your vehicle purchase, or if you were misled about what was included, you may have legal rights under state and federal consumer protection laws.
Being informed before a breakdown happens can make all the difference.
