Here’s Why New Cars No Longer Come With Spare Tires
If you’ve recently bought a new car and popped the trunk expecting a spare tire, you might have been surprised—and frustrated—to find it missing. It’s not an accident. More and more automakers are intentionally ditching spare tires, and the reasons might surprise you.
1. Automakers Are Trying to Boost Fuel Efficiency
Every extra pound a car carries slightly drags down its fuel economy. Automakers are under increasing pressure to meet strict environmental regulations and offer better gas mileage. Removing a spare tire, jack, and tools can shave anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds off a vehicle’s total weight. That might not sound like much, but when manufacturers are fighting for every fraction of a mile per gallon, it matters. By ditching the spare, car companies can proudly advertise slightly higher fuel economy numbers to buyers and regulators alike.
2. Run-Flat Tires Are Becoming More Common
In place of traditional spares, many newer cars are now equipped with run-flat tires. These specially designed tires can continue to be driven even after a puncture, usually for up to 50 miles at reduced speeds. The idea is that drivers can make it safely to a repair shop without needing to pull over and change a tire on the side of the road. While convenient in theory, run-flat tires tend to be more expensive to replace and can offer a rougher ride. Still, their rising popularity is another reason why fewer new vehicles come with a spare tire tucked away.
3. Emergency Tire Repair Kits Are the New Normal
Instead of a full-size spare or even a space-saver “donut,” many carmakers now toss in a compact emergency tire repair kit. These kits usually contain a canister of sealant and a small air compressor designed to patch minor punctures temporarily. They save space and weight, but they’re not a perfect substitute—larger tears, sidewall damage, or blowouts are still game-enders. If you haven’t yet checked your trunk for a repair kit, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself before you actually need it. It’s better to be slightly annoyed now than stranded later.
4. Cost Savings Play a Quiet but Real Role
It’s no secret that building cars is expensive, and every component adds to the bottom line. By eliminating spare tires, manufacturers save money on materials, labor, and shipping weight. Those savings often aren’t passed directly onto the consumer, but they help companies maintain profitability in a competitive market. Plus, fewer parts mean fewer warranty claims and less complexity on the production line. For automakers, skipping the spare tire is an easy way to cut costs without most buyers noticing until it’s too late.
5. Modern Tires Are More Durable Than Ever
Today’s tires are better than the ones your parents drove on—by a long shot. Advances in rubber compounds, tread designs, and construction techniques mean tires are more resistant to punctures and blowouts. Many drivers may never experience a flat during their car’s lifespan, especially if they stick to urban and suburban driving. Manufacturers argue that since flats are rarer, spares are becoming less necessary. While it’s true that tire reliability has improved, it’s still cold comfort when you’re the unlucky driver stuck on a dark roadside.
6. Space Constraints in Smaller Vehicles
As car designs evolve, space inside the cabin and trunk has become a premium commodity. Consumers want more legroom, bigger trunks, hybrid battery compartments, and sleeker designs. Something had to give—and often, that something is the spare tire. Compact and midsize vehicles, in particular, are notorious for sacrificing spare tire wells for more cabin comfort or cargo space. It’s a trade-off many drivers aren’t aware of until they’re looking under the floor mat and find a repair kit instead of a traditional spare.
Being Prepared Without a Spare: What Drivers Need to Know
Even though automakers have shifted away from including spare tires, that doesn’t mean drivers should be caught off guard. It’s smart to check your trunk today and see what your emergency options actually are. If your car only has a repair kit or run-flat tires, it might be worth investing in a portable spare or AAA membership for peace of mind. Preparation beats frustration when a flat strikes at the worst possible time. Knowing what you have—and what you don’t—can turn a bad day on the road into a minor inconvenience instead of a major disaster.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.