Imagine this: you’ve got your shiny car, ready to hit the road, and suddenly—bam! —you’ve got a flat tire. But wait, where’s that spare? Surprise, surprise! Nowadays, the game has changed, as only one-third of new vehicles come with one.
Skipping the Spare
Most new vehicles today skip the spare tire, opting for a tire repair sealant kit, a ‘donut’ smaller spare, or nothing at all. Why? Shedding that spare tire and jack lightens the load, giving your ride a boost in fuel efficiency. Plus, with roadside assistance just a call away and nifty tire pressure monitoring systems alerting drivers to potential leaks, the spare tire isn’t as crucial as it once was.
But here’s the deal: you don’t want to be caught off guard with a flat and no backup plan. Even if you’re a roadside assistance pro, having a spare tire can be a time-saver, saving you from a possible tow truck hassle.
If your vehicle comes with a repair kit, it might work for minor leaks. Using that spray can might make your tire a one-time wonder but not fit for a longer trip. And if your tire’s taken a real hit? Sorry, that repair kit won’t cut it.
Tire Options
So, what’s the game plan if your car’s lacking a spare? There are options! First up, you can snag a spare tire kit from your repair shop or supplier. It’ll have the goods: a properly sized tire, a jack, and a lug wrench. Just be sure to brush up on changing that tire—knowledge is power!
Then there’s the run-flat tire option. These can keep going even after taking a hit. They’ll let you cruise at slower speeds and cover shorter distances after a puncture. Generally, they can cost a bit more and might wear out faster. We recommend having a spare tire kit is the winning move. It keeps you ready for anything. Just remember to give that spare tire a check-up now and then to keep it in top shape. If you’d rather skip the spare, be sure you’ve got top-notch roadside assistance or a trusty repair kit.
Fueled by DriversAutoKnow.com®
