Got a Spare? Not on These Cars
CARS.COM — Earlier this year, I was testing a car on a mountain road with no cellphone reception when I got a flat tire. There was a big rupture in the sidewall. No big deal, right? Slap on the spare, drive out nice and slow, then get the tire changed out the next day.
Related: AAA Issues Plea to Automakers: Spare the Spare
${price_badge_description}
The EV Battery Rating is based on this vehicle's current expected range relative to the vehicles expected range when new. ${battery_badge_text}
Certified cars are manufacturer warrantied and typically go through a rigorous multi-point inspection.
This car is likely to sell soon based on the price, features, and condition.
Looking to have this car delivered to your home? This dealership offers home delivery on some or all of its cars. Contact the dealership with our tools to get details such as qualifying cars, test drive options, and any applicable fees.
You can get more information about this car from your couch through a virtual appointment! Use our tools to contact the dealership to schedule a video consultation. A video walkaround of this car may be available upon request.
${award_blurb}
${award_two_blurb}
But when I went to the trunk, instead of finding a spare, there was a tire inflator kit. It took about four or five hours of back and forth with roadside assistance to reach a towing company to get the car out, and then it had to be stored overnight somewhere. It was a huge, huge hassle. Laugh at my misfortune all you like, but this is becoming a more common experience, according to a just-released study by AAA.
Researchers for the roadside-services provider examined model-year 2017 vehicles and found that 28 percent of the new cars do not come with a spare tire as standard equipment. Eliminating the spare tire reduces the weight of the vehicle and improves fuel economy. While those vehicles often come with kits that can temporarily fix small punctures, if you have sidewall damage like I did, a large puncture or a blowout, you’re up a certain creek without a paddle.
AAA also offered up a list of new vehicles for 2017 that don’t offer a spare at all. Here they are in alphabetical order:
AAA offers up a few tips to keep from being stranded:
