Spare Tires Being Removed from New Vehicles

In the event of flat tire, spare tires are an easy fix to get you back on the go within a matter of minutes.

But, what if you open your trunk and find you don’t have a spare? Well, if you drive a newer vehicle that may very well be the case. Most automakers are removing spare tires from new models, in an effort to comply with stricter fuel economy standards and remove weight. Public Relations Manager for AAA-Ohio, Kimberly Schwind, said spares are being replaced with tire inflator kits, but unfortunately, they don’t even provide a temporary fix for many common tire-related problems.

“AAA did studies and we found that these kits are only effective if the tire is punctured on the tread surface and the item remains in the tire, that is the only instance where they are going to work effectively,” Schwind said.

Between 2006 and 2015, 29 million vehicles were sold with tire inflator kits in the United States. The small, four-pound kit contains an air compressor and a bottle of sealant, and can only accommodate certain types of damage. If you find yourself on the side of the road without a spare, and are not sure how to use a kit, Schwind said don’t hesitate to call AAA.

“The kits do have instructions on them, and you also can look in you owner’s manual for instructions, but we recommend doing that before you’re in a situation on the side of the roadway, so you’re not faced with trying to figure it out when you’re in an emergency situation,” Schwind said.

The kits do expire, so AAA encourages checking the expiration date and replacing them when necessary.