What to Do If Your Car Doesn’t Have a Spare Tire
- Buy a new or used wheel and tire To get a spare tire for your vehicle, check with the dealership that sold you the car. You can often get another full-size wheel to keep on hand. ...
- Install run-flat tires on your car Run-flat tires are built to keep the car on the road after a puncture occurs. ...
- Emergency tire kits ...
- Call a roadside service ...
Full Answer
How do I get a spare tire for my car?
To get a spare tire for your vehicle, check with the dealership that sold you the car. You can often get another full-size wheel to keep on hand. Expect it to cost you, though, because you will need one to match the same brand and style of tire that’s already on the car.
Do I need a spare tire or run flat?
If you don't have a spare tire or run-flats, odds are you have an emergency tire inflation kit. Check your manual or trunk for a small canister that looks like a tiny tire pump. If you have one, read the instructions to learn how to use it.
Can you swap on a spare tire?
Swapping on a spare should be easy, but, unfortunately, around 30 percent of new cars don't come with spare tires anymore. Here's what you can do before your summer road trip to make blown tires a non-issue. No spare tire? No problem. Many modern cars don't have spare tires.
How to avoid getting a flat tire on a long road trip?
The last thing you want to do on your long road trip is to waste a lot of time dealing with a leaking tire. You can try to avoid getting a flat tire, or you can use one of the following methods if you are stuck with no spare tire. To get a spare tire for your vehicle, check with the dealership that sold you the car.
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What can I use if I don't have a spare tire?
Here are some simple tips on what to do when you have a flat tire and no spare:Use a tire repair kit. Keep a tire repair kit on hand. ... Use a run-flat tire. Purchase run flat tires. ... Contact roadside assistance. Be ready to contact emergency services. ... Shifting away from supplying spares. ... Consider spares when buying a new car.
What do I do if I have a flat tire at home?
0:2111:00How to Fix a Flat Tire EASY (Everything you need to know)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBack. At our flat tire the first thing I like to do is try to pump up the tire with a portable 12-MoreBack. At our flat tire the first thing I like to do is try to pump up the tire with a portable 12-volt air compressor. Because it's the quickest. And easiest method.
Why hasn't my car got a spare wheel?
Over the past decade, more and more car manufacturers have ditched conventional spare wheels for tyre repair kits. They cite two main reasons for this: repair kits take up less space and are lighter, thus aiding fuel economy.
Is it a legal requirement to have a spare?
No, the law doesn't state that you must have a spare tyre on hand to fit in the event of a puncture. However, it is advisable that you do if your vehicle doesn't use run flat tyres. The majority of new cars use run flat tyres so don't need a spare.
Can I drive a mile on a flat tire?
You should never attempt to drive any further than a couple hundred yards on a flat tire, even if it isn't completely deflated. This may not be enough distance to get you to an auto garage, but you can at least creep along until you're away from the hazards of the highway.
How long can you drive with a flat tire?
When driving with a spare tire or a donut spare, 50 miles is the safest distance. If you must push it, your vehicle can potentially achieve a 70-mile stretch.
How much does a spare tire cost?
Cheap and Premium Donut Tires Even though the premium and cheap donut spare tires adhere to the same limits (50mph and 70 miles), premium brands offer superior tires in terms of performance and durability. However, they are also much more expensive – temporary spare tires cost from $50 to $300.
What year did they stop putting spare tires in cars?
In 1941, the U.S. government prohibited spare tires on new cars.
Is it legal to sell a car without a spare tyre?
Any car sold by a dealer must be roadworthy, as described, fit for purpose and of satisfactory qualify. They can't legally sell a car fitted with tyres that aren't in good condition and don't meet the legal limit.
Can I drive on a spare tire for a week?
Nearest AAA Approved Auto Repair Facilities You should not drive over 50 mph and no more than 50 miles with a donut-type spare tire. Driving for long distances on a spare tire can potentially cause damage to other car parts, including the transmission.
Can you fail an MOT for not having a spare tyre?
No, spare tyres are not checked as part of an MOT. This is because the tyre is not physically fitted to the vehicle itself, and therefore is under no obligation to meet legal standards.
Why can you only go 50 mph on a spare tire?
Reasons Why You Cannot Go Fast on Spare Tire Donut spares are smaller, lighter, and have little tread, so driving faster than 50mph will cause the wheel to work harder and lead to tire wear quickly.
Can I fix my own flat tire?
If you have a hole in your tread, it can be fixed. Tires in good condition won't experience more than a simple hole in that location. If the hole is in your sidewall (the portion of the tire that rides roughly vertical), you just need to mount your spare and have the tire replaced at the first possible opportunity.
How do you inflate car tires at home?
0:331:39How to Inflate a Tire Using a Portable Tire Inflator - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn your car connect the inflaters air hose to the valve stem of the tire you want to fill. Now someMoreIn your car connect the inflaters air hose to the valve stem of the tire you want to fill. Now some inflators use a screw on type connector to connect the air hose to the valve stem.
How do you make a homemade tire plug?
0:593:14DIY Tire Plug - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTool. Pull until it's about in the middle and then spread a little rubber cement on both sides ofMoreTool. Pull until it's about in the middle and then spread a little rubber cement on both sides of the plug. String. Yank out the reamer. And begin to force in the plugger.
How much does a tire cost?
General pricing guidelines for new tires: Inexpensive tires will generally be in the range of $50 - $150 each. Moderately priced tires will usually be in the range of $100 - $300 each. High-end tires (ultra-high performance or specialty off-road tires) can be $300 - $1000 each.
How to get a spare tire?
To get a spare tire for your vehicle, check with the dealership that sold you the car. You can often get another full-size wheel to keep on hand. Expect it to cost you, though, because you will need one to match the same brand and style of tire that’s already on the car.
What to do if your car doesn't have a tire kit?
If your vehicle doesn’t currently have them, consider purchasing a set for yourself. It just might keep your mind at ease, knowing you and your family are safe even when you experience a flat. Emergency tire kits. These kits are easier to use than going through the hassle of changing a tire on your vehicle.
Why do you need a run flat tire?
Run-flat tires are built to keep the car on the road after a puncture occurs. It allows you to drive straight to a tire shop to replace the tire or have it repaired. This way you don’t have to worry about stopping on a busy highway or in an unsafe area to change a flat.
How much weight does a car lose without lug wrenches?
by Wendy Johnson on September 16, 2019. Nowadays, newer cars are doing away with spare tires, lug wrenches, and jacks. Without these things, a car loses about 50 lbs of weight. This makes a huge difference in terms of fuel efficiency.
How to get a tow truck to come out?
Simply call your service’s number and wait for a tow truck to come out and take care of the car. The downside to this, however, is that you may end up waiting longer than you expected. These services tend to use tow trucks under their contract, so they may come from quite a distance to get to you.
How to avoid getting a flat tire?
You can try to avoid getting a flat tire, or you can use one of the following methods if you are stuck with no spare tire. Buy a new or used wheel and tire. To get a spare tire for your vehicle, check with the dealership that sold you the car. You can often get another full-size wheel to keep on hand.
Is it safe to drive with used tires?
Used tires may not be the safest option, though. You don’t know what driving conditions it’s been in. But in an emergency, it could get you a short distance to a tire shop to get a new tire put on. Install run-flat tires on your car.
Have Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance companies such as AAA are affordable, and it’s extremely useful to have access to them when you’re in a sticky situation. We highly recommend contracting a roadside assistance company if your car does not have the tools that will help you get back on the road.
Create an Inflation Kit
Many modern car models come with an inflation kit in lieu of a tire. Though these aren’t always an option—for example, in a situation where a nail is too close to the sidewall—they’re often an effective short-term patching solution. If your car didn’t come with this kit, you may want to consider purchasing your own.
Purchase a Tire
If your car didn’t come with a spare tire, banish that worry by investing in one yourself. If you choose to do this, you’ll want to pay attention to tire’s fit—you can purchase replacement wheels for specific care makes and models. For example, Honda Accord sport rims will ensure those with this vehicle will have the correct tire size.
Prevent a Flat
We highly recommend that you educate yourself in the different preventative measures. After all, the best solution to a flat tire is to not have one at all. Make sure you always properly inflate your tires and keep an eye out for road hazards such as potholes.
Why do you rotate your tires?
The main reason for tire rotation is to make sure the tire is worn out equally. When you take a turn on the road, it puts more pressure on the outer edges of the front tires than on the rear tires. Whenever you do parallel parking, U-turns or three-point turns, all of these tend to put pressure on them. This means that your front tires get worn out a lot more quickly than rear tires. This is why you should get your passenger car tires rotated.
What happens when you get bigger rims?
The larger the rims, the more friction the tires will have with the ground, and the higher the amount of friction, the more energy the vehicle will need to get itself moving . This phenomenon is called rolling resistance and it is another aspect to consider before you go out and buy new rims.
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What does pulling mean on a car?
Pulling simply means that you need a new wheel alignment. It happens when your steering wheel is moving to the right or left on its own while you’re trying to steer straight ahead. You should ask to know more about it from a cheap tire shop.
What can damage a rotor?
Brake dust and metal shavings from the rotor can accumulate on your rims. These materials can damage the metal of your rims, leading to a costly replacement or expensive repair. Frequently cleaning them with a sponge and rim cleaner will help protect them and remove all of the nasty materials that choose to gather there.
Can you change all tires at the same time?
There is no hardbound rule that you will have to change all the tires at the same time. You can change any tire whenever it is necessary. Don’t certainly wait for all tires to get worn. If you do that you will have a huge road accident on your hand. On the other hand, if you change the other tires beforehand, it’s just money down the drain. So, whether you buy brand new tire or from tires for sale you can change any of your tires any time you want as long as they are the same size, model, and brand as all the tires.
Is it better to keep your car well maintained?
If your car is always well-maintained, it will remain eco-friendly as much as possible. It will need less gas, which in turn will create less pollution and will also operate very efficiently. Not only that, if you get regular tune-ups for your car, it will boost your gas mileage by 4 per cent.
Why do carmakers skip spares?
Carmakers are skipping the spare because of regulatory pressure to squeeze more miles out of every gallon of fuel: Ditching the 40 or 50 pounds that a tire and jack usually add to a car’s weight helps to increase fuel economy slightly. (It also incidentally increases automakers’ profits because they don’t have to pay for those parts.)
Do new cars come with spare tires?
About a third of new cars today do not come with a spare tire, though they might also be equipped with a compressor and sealant kit to temporarily fix a flat tire. Some cars without a spare come with a run-flat tire, which is designed to operate for a limited distance after losing air from a typical puncture.
What happens if you don't have a spare tire?
If there isn’t a spare tire in your trunk or mounted under your car in the rear or middle, your vehicle might’ve intentionally come from the factory without a spare. Around 30% of new cars don’t have a spare tire.
What to do when you get a flat tire?
If you’re driving when you get a flat tire, regain control of your car, pull over to the shoulder or another safe place and put your hazard lights on. Avoid driving on a flat tire if at all possible as it could shred the inner tire lining to bits, not to mention grind into your very expensive rim.
How can I avoid having a flat tire in the future?
Waiting who-knows-how-long for roadside assistance, plugging a tire on the side of the road and essentially ruining a tire to get to safety are imperfect solutions. Everyone can think of better things to do with their day. So how can you avoid getting yourself in this type of quandary next time around?
How to use a tire plug kit?
To use a tire plug kit: Locate the source of the leak and mark it clearly. If it’s still in the tire, pull out the offending nail or object. Clean the hole with the rough T-handled tool. Put a plug into the hook or hole in the tool and force it into the hole. Remove the tool and trim the plug flat with the tread.
How big is a tire sealant plug?
The sealant plugs holes up to six millimeters in diameter, like those from a nail or screw, from the inside—at least temporarily—so you can get around until you have the tire fixed. Fill the tire to the recommended pressure, found on the placard on the driver’s door pillar.
What do tow trucks do when you have a flat?
Some tow truck drivers will perform a service call, installing your spare tire, and many tow trucks carry an air compressor to fill a flat, too.
What is a fix a flat?
Like a tire repair kit with a compressor, Fix-A-Flat injects foam or slime into the tire that seals small punctures like nail holes along with adding a bit of air pressure inside the tire. When it’s out of the can and exposed to the air, it hardens into an epoxy-like substance. It’s also a mess to clean up afterward.
Why Aren’t Some Cars Coming with Spare Tires?
If you’ve recently shopped for a new car, you may have probably noticed that a spare tire was missing. How is that possible? Consumer reports indicate that newer models continue to flock to the market, with spare tires not being standard equipment anymore. About 35% of cars from the factory come without a spare tire. There are several explanations for not including spare tires:
Why Does My Car Lack a Spare Tire?
For this reason, many people don’t realize they lack a spare tire until they find themselves in a situation that needs one.
What is a Spare Tire?
A spare tire, also known as Stepney, refers to an extra tire carried for an emergency and can be used to replace a regular tire if it has a blowout, goes flat, or has any other emergency. It’s a temporary spare wheel that is smaller and lighter than standard tires.
When are Spare Tires Useful?
Spare tires are valuable during an emergency. They can be used to get to a car repair shop or get home safely. Spare tires are a practical alternative to sealants or inflater kits, which need extra expertise to handle and operate and can cause damage to the tires if not used properly.
How are Spare Tires Different from Regular Tires?
Apart from the full-size matching spare tire, spare tires are different from regular car tires. The spare tires are designed for temporary short-term use during emergencies and to save on space. The spare tire wheel is generally made of lightweight material, and the tread depth is shallow compared to the regular tires. The compact or the donut spare tires have smaller diameters which help to save on space.
What is The Spare Tire Speed Limit?
Keep in mind that the exact speed limit of spare tires is in most cases indicated on the tire. However, the general thumb rule is not to drive more than 50 mph with the temporary mini-spare tire. You should instead avoid highways as possible and try to get to a repair facility.
Can I purchase a spare tire?
You don’t need to wait until you have a tire emergency to think of investing in a spare tire. If your car is not equipped with a spare tire, you must purchase a spare tire. This comes in handy when you need to replace the damaged tire and drive safely to the nearest car service or garage.
Overview
Spending a huge amount on a brand new car can only be happy if we receive all the equipment with the car. But all you notice is that the spare tire is not coming with some new cars. From 2017 to automakers slowly leaving the trend to provide spare tires. However, it is important to keep a spare tire for any emergency.
4 Reasons Why Spare Tires Is Missing
Automakers never took any great step without mentioning the reason and to leave the trend of providing spare tires with new cars has also a reason. They clear the 4 major reasons to consumers to satisfy them.
Improve Fuel Efficiency
A good driver must be a focus on how he can drive a car at a cheap cost. So, he can understand that if you put less weight on a car it will be more fuel-efficient. A spare tire can reduce around 23kg from your vehicle. If you want to keep a spare tire you need to keep all the equipment required to change your car tire.
Increase Space
Small cars do have not a huge space in a car to keep spare tires and equipment. The replacement of a tire can help you to make more space and manage your luggage. However, it can also be good for you to keep anything extra for your trip. Tire takes significant space for sedans and small cars. The more space in your car gives you a comfortable ride.
Space for Batteries and Equipment for Hybrid, Electric Cars
The trend of electric and hybrid cars is very popular. Compromise on a spare tire is not painful when you have a hybrid or electric car. Mostly in hybrid and electric cars, the extra tire is missing because batteries and emission equipment take this place. This is the major reason why extra is not available in hybrid and electric cars.
Less Manufacturing Cost
The prices of cars matter a lot for new car buyers and removing the extra tire can decrease manufacturing costs. If the manufacturing cost goes down obviously the price will also down. The replacement of the tire will decrease the cost for the manufacturer so he can offer less price to customers.
What Are Spare Tire Option
Keeping a spare is necessary but if the replacement gives such good things you must need to compromise on it. If you don’t have an extra tire in your car you still have the option on the road. You can buy a donut for your tire size with the equipment.