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Many new cars no longer include a spare tire — automakers are cutting them to save weight and boost fuel economy, leaving many drivers without a true backup.
Fix-a-flat kits have serious limits — they won’t work for blowouts, sidewall damage, or large punctures, which are some of the most common flat-tire scenarios.
Check your car now, not later — lift the trunk floor, confirm what your trim level includes, and decide if buying a spare is worth it before you’re stuck waiting for a tow.
Drivers across the country are discovering that many new cars no longer come with a spare tire. The issue was highlighted in a recent report by WCPO-9 News, after multiple drivers opened their trunks expecting to find a spare and found… nothing.
In one case, a new Toyota Prius owner discovered her trunk only contained Styrofoam and a tire inflation kit. Another driver learned her Jeep didn’t even include a temporary “donut” tire, just a small air compressor that was useless for a sidewall puncture.
And these aren’t rare exceptions anymore.
According to Consumer Reports, automakers have been removing spare tires to remove some weight from the car which improves the overall fuel economy.
Their testing found that since 2020:
That means many drivers are one pothole away from being completely reliant on a tow truck.
The small tire repair kits included in many vehicles sound somewhat reassuring, but they have some serious limits.
For example, they do not work if:
In other words, they’re not a universal fix. Several drivers in the WCPO report said the kits included in their vehicles failed completely.
With a little bit of forethought, you can avoid an expensive tow or repair down the road. Here are some things to consider.
Look under your vehicle, in the rear, for a hidden spare tire. If a spare isn’t under your car, then open the trunk, lift up the cargo floor mat, and look underneath.
If you see molded foam, a small air compressor, or a sealant bottle, you don’t have a spare.
Pro tip: Check again after dealer-installed accessories. Some dealers remove spares to make room for subwoofers or storage trays.
Two versions of the same car can be completely different.
Lower trims are far more likely to skip a spare, while higher trims may include a donut or full-size spare. The smart thing to do is check out the vehicle’s window sticker (if you still have it) or owner’s manual by VIN to see what was supposed to be included.
If you’re buying used, don’t trust the listing. Sellers often assume there’s a spare when there isn’t, so visually inspect to see what’s included.
If you’re shopping for a new or used car, don’t ask if it has a spare. Instead, ask them to open the trunk and show it to you.
If it doesn’t have one, do the following:
Getting this answered before you sign any paperwork can save you hundreds later.
Buying a spare or donut tire isn’t cheap, but neither is being stranded, especially if you don’t have roadside assistance that includes free towing.
Before buying a spare:
Reality check: A spare often costs way less than a single tow, especially if you need a tow after-hours or if your car is stuck in a garage where flatbeds can’t fit.
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Kyle James is a consumer-savings writer who turns real store intel into practical, repeatable wins that lower your cost of living. When he isn’t interviewing employees for insider tips, he’s golfing or hiking around his hometown of Redding, CA.
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