Did you know that about thirty-five percent of the vehicles manufactured now come from the factory without a spare tire? Getting a flat tire can not only be a major inconvenience, but it can also be costly. As the mobile tire service experts in Calgary, we wrote this blog post to help you learn more about spare tires, why more vehicles are being made without them, and how to decide if you really need one.
It can be difficult to tell which models come with a spare and which don’t. Some trim levels will have a spare tire supplied, but not all. When looking to purchase a new car, be sure by asking the sales reprehensive directly as they may not tell you up front.
So, why is it that some new cars are coming without spare tires?
- Improving Fuel EconomyBy removing a spare tire, manufacturers can reduce a vehicles weight by about 30 to 50 pounds – including the jack and wrench. Removing the spare tire can also improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle by reducing air drag from the spare tire compartments that are within their undercarriages.
- The Need for More SpaceThere is no doubt that a spare tire can take up a significant amount of space! When looking at compacts, sport cars or small sedans, space becomes a huge factor in a buyer’s decision making process.
- Lack of StorageWith the increasing popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles, battery and emission equipment take up a lot of space where a spare tire once was.
- Reduced Manufacturing CostsIt’s true – a manufacturer can save hundreds of dollars by opting to not include spare tires in their vehicles.
You may be asking yourself, are there any alternatives to a spare tire? In some cases, new cars are coming with tires or inflator kits that claim to make having a spare tire unnecessary. Here are the pros and cons to both:
- Run-flat TiresRun-flat tires are designed to allow you to drive for a limited distance, anywhere from 16 to 80 kilometers after a typical puncture in one of your tires, so you can get to a service station or safe location. Run-flats may also offer better control than standard tires when there’s a tire failure. The downside, driving on a run-flat tire will ruin the tire, so it will have to be replaced after use.
- Inflator KitsNew vehicles with standard tires sometimes come with an aerosol seal kit. Such products offer a temporary fix for minor punctures so you can get to a nearby service station for repairs, or a safe location. Tire sealants such as those found in inflator kits only work on small punctures in your tread and won’t be much help for any damage to your tire’s sidewalls.
- Self-Sealing TiresSelf-sealing tires have a lining coated with special sealant inside the tire. Your tire in punctured, the sealant material “surrounds” the hole. When the nail, or whatever caused the puncture is removed, the sealant then fills in the full area. The con here is that a self-sealing tire won’t work if the puncture is too big or if the puncture is on one of your tire’s side walls.
When purchasing a new car, here are a few things to consider before deciding on a model that does not include a spare tire.
- LocationIf you live in an urban area that would have service stations nearby, you may be good with no spare. The side of the road can be a dangerous place to have to change a tire, so best to choose the safest option.
- Aftermarket PurchasingIt is a good idea to decide up front if you want to purchase a car that does not have a spare tire included. If you decide later that you do actually want one, you may experience high aftermarket prices on tires, jacks and wrenches. Also, remember what we said about space? There may not be enough room to safely carry all of these new parts in your new vehicle.
- Long Haul TripsIf you are the kind of person that takes lots of road trips with your family, or has long distance commutes, you need a spare tire. Getting a flat tire in a location with no service station around and waiting hours for roadside assistance is a less than ideal situation and you will be wishing you had a spare!
Flat tires can be an inconvenient and costly hassle especially in Calgary, where our winters can be rough on the roads. A spare tire is the most cost-effective insurance that you will not get stuck by the side of the road. In the case that you do experience a flat tire, contact TireForce! We are the number one choice in Calgary for mobile tire change service!
