Spare Tires Face Extinction in New Cars

It's fun oohing and aahing over all the new cars manufacturers are showing off at auto shows around the country.  But pop the trunk and chances are, you won't find a spare tire, or a jack, or even a lug wrench.  They've gone the way of the Model T.

That’s because some vehicle manufacturers are omitting heavy spare tires in order to meet new government fuel efficiency standards, explains the auto club. Instead of a spare, auto makers, from Acura to Volvo, are equipping new vehicles with an emergency sealant and inflator kit or tires that if damaged can run reasonable distances without air. The vanishing spare tire has car buyers buzzing.

“The sad truth is, many vehicle owners are unaware that their late model vehicle has no spare tire until they have a flat tire or a blow-out, and that could cause desperation on the side of the road,” said John B. Townsend II, AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Manager of Public and Government Affairs. “Yet, the emergency sealer/inflators kits are ineffective, if your tire gets a large puncture or has a blow-out.

"Auto dealerships in the Washington metro area say they are seeing a surge in the number of customers worried about the eventuality of a flat tire and, as a result, they are purchasing spare tire kits for their recently purchased vehicles. The cost of the spare tire kit can run from $150 to $350, depending upon the make and the model,” Townsend said.

“There are more than 700 new automobile makes and models on the marketplace today, but only 51 models come equipped with full-size matching spare tires, which are quickly becoming a relic of the past. First, they were replaced by ‘donuts’ or compact temporary spares and now more cars are coming off the assembly line with no spare at all. Many motorists will find that vexing and annoying,” he said.

13 percent

In fact, 13 percent of all new vehicles sold in the first half of 2011 did not include a spare tire, and that number is expected to increase in future models and makes, explains AAA Mid-Atlantic. Even so, 51 percent of 2011 models came equipped with temporary spares, and the run-flat tire was standard in 7.2 percent of 2011 model-year vehicles, auto industry research shows.

A consumer who recently purchased a new 2012 Elantra posted the following diatribe to the Hyundai Motor America Corporate Office  blog. “No spare tire, No jack…Was not told any of the above (about the jack and spare) I called the office and [the dealership] told me they don’t put the jack and spare to get the fuel mileage…not happy with this new Elantra. Would not buy another.”

Why the sea change?  Well, in 2010, the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency established new corporate average fuel economy standards for vehicle model years 2012 to 2016. The new standards are set at a combined 29.7 mpg for the 2012 model year, increasing to 34.1 mpg by 2016.  Achieving these standards will require many changes to the vehicles we drive. 

“As a result, consumers should review their owner’s manual and emergency maintenance supplies they have in the vehicle and be informed about alternatives to a spare to prevent panic or a delay when encountering a flat tire,” the auto club advises.

One area of focus is to reduce the weight of vehicles without compromising occupant safety.  A spare tire, related tools and a jack can weigh more than 40 pounds. That may seem like a small amount, but every little bit helps. Unlike other weight-saving changes, it doesn’t add cost to the vehicle.