If you’re driving a car made in the last five years and you plan on road tripping home for Thanksgiving this year, make sure you check the trunk before leaving the driveway. There’s no guarantee you’ll find a spare tire should catastrophe strike on the highway.
According to a report released by AAA this morning, more and more vehicles sold in the US are leaving the lot without a spare on board. The synecdoche for roadside assistance has been tracking the spare’s vanishing act for a while now, and reports that run-flat tires or inflator kits have replaced the "Oh no..." feature on 29 million vehicles over the last 10 years. The trend points north: 36 percent of model year 2015 cars were sold without the backup rubber, up from five percent in 2006.
Why is this eminently practical item getting tossed? It’s the fuel economy, stupid. As carmakers struggle to achieve maximum miles per gallon, they’re shaving off anything resembling dead weight to make vehicles lighter. A 50-pound backup system many customers never use is a tempting target, and comes with the added benefit of having more space to dedicated for passenger space or storage.
Automakers make up for the lack of a conventional spare with one of two options. They throw a tire inflator kit in the trunk, so customers can seal punctures and re-inflate their rubber. Or they equip their cars with run-flat tires, designed to stay inflated over limited distances after being punctured.
AAA argues neither's a great substitute. “We haven’t seen any decline in the calls for road service,” says John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of automotive engineering and repair. “One way we can look at that data is to say maybe what’s failing on the tires is a catastrophic failure. In those cases, tire inflator kits aren’t going to help.”
In other words, a kit or run-flat may help if you drive over a nail, but if you suffer a blowout, you're hosed. After testing a variety of commonly found inflator kits, AAA found that they work great as long as you’ve just punctured the surface of the tread and the insidious bit of shrapnel remains in the rubber.
Then you can use the kit to coat the inner wall of the tire with sealant before deploying the compressor to re-inflate it. Considering that’s a pretty specific use case, it’s no wonder AAA hasn’t seen a decrease in the requests for flat-related roadside assistance. And it turns out those devices, which have a shelf life of four to eight years, aren’t cheap to operate either.
“The inflator and the chemical all come as a kit and that’s expensive,” says Neilsen. “Then there’s the labor involved in cleaning out the tire, and the manufacturer requires that when you use their sealant you have to replace the entire pressure monitor. So all of that adds up to around $300.” Spare tires cost money too, but there are a whole host of temporary or compact options available for under $100, and unless you lose your jack and lug wrench along the way, those implements are likely to be one-time expenditures.
If you are on the hunt for a new vehicle, and a spare tire is something important to you, be sure to pay attention to everything your potential new car comes with.
That is because many car manufacturers are not putting spare tires in newer model vehicles anymore. If you find this interesting, wait until you learn why some producers have chosen this practice.
Continue reading to learn the top 4 reasons why some new cars do not come with a spare tire option.
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance in Indiana 317-247-8484With the trending green movement becoming so popular that it is almost ingrained in most consumers shopping tendencies, it is no surprise that many car manufacturers are attempting to improve their vehicles fuel efficiency. One effort to accomplish this has been to eliminate the extra weight of a spare tire. This may seem like a trivial amount, but the absence of a spare tire can reduce a vehicle’s overall weight by 30 to 50 pounds. That is because you must also consider the additional weight of the jack and wrench. The benefits from this type of elimination also helps car manufacturers meet the strict EPA guidelines.
2.
Increased Storage SpaceAlthough it may not seem like a simple donut or spare can take up a lot of room, in smaller vehicles, its absence can make a huge difference. Vehicles like sports cars, compact cars, eco-conscious cars, electric cars, and even smaller-sized sedans, can all benefit from the lack of a spare. The added space allows for a more comfortable ride.
3. Batteries and Emissions EquipmentIn contrast to adding more storage, eliminating a spare tire is a must for many car manufacturers because there is too much space occupied by other equipment. This includes hybrids, electric cars, and diesels. The batteries and emissions equipment of these vehicles takes up the space that would typically house a spare.
4. Decreased Manufacturing CostsThe elimination of a spare tire naturally saves car manufacturers money, hundreds of thousands, in fact. However, many car manufacturers use that savings to improve other performance, aesthetic, and mechanical features.
So sometimes, it is a “give and take” situation.
If you are the driver of a vehicle that lacks a spare, whether because it was manufactured that way to you just don’t have one, there are still options for you on the road. You can always purchase a properly-sized spare or donut for your vehicle, along with the proper tools (i.e. jack, torque wrench, road triangles, etc.).
Helpful Flat Tire AdviceIf you ever find yourself with a flat on the side of the road without one, you can contact a 24 hour emergency roadside assistance service. Some insurance policies actually cover roadside assistance needs, or have their own roadside assistance service. Simply dial the number and wait for help to arrive. Most emergency roadside assistance services operate on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. That is why they are called “emergency” roadside assistance services.
Who to Trust for 24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance in IndianaIf your vehicle breaks down at any point during your trip, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for Indianapolis roadside assistance and towing recovery services you can trust.
Our friendly Indiana tow truck operators are certified roadside emergency assistants, and are always waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.
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Tangled courtyards around a colony on the outskirts of the city, documents for an auction for the supply of meat and 7 minutes to get them to the checkpoint. And at this moment I hook the metal pin with the wheel, the rubber instantly falls off, I leave the car and run with the documents to the entrance to the colony.
Everything worked out, but instead of a triumph, I had to install a spare wheel, and I only imagined how to put a spare tire. Imagine my surprise when a new, but smaller wheel was found in the trunk. At that moment I did not know yet that it is rare which spare tire matches the standard tires.
A spare wheel is almost always included in new vehicles. And when the owner opens the trunk and looks into the pallet, 4 scenarios await him. Of course, if, like me, they did not pay attention to it in the showroom. There are also cars with a spare wheel in the back.
This is a rim with a smaller diameter tire, typically 1 inch from the main wheels. It cannot be considered a spare in the full sense, it is intended for temporary use in order to get to the nearest tire shop or shop where you can make a tire selection. Disks on the dokatka are usually steel. The whole point of such a wheel is to reduce the cost of completing a car in production. Many people also talk about reducing the weight of the equipped car, but this is a completely uncritical effect.
So, before installation, the pressure is checked in the dokatka. If possible, they pump up more than regular wheels, up to 4-4.2 atmospheres. According to the operating rules, you cannot drive on different diameters, but you can move to the place of repair. Installing a spare tire will take time, and in order to shorten it, it is good to store the stowage assembled and already inflated.
Equipped with the same tire as the vehicle itself. The disk can be simpler, the so-called basin or pan. If the rest of the wheels are cast, then it is also not recommended to use the spare wheel “on steel” for a long time. Different weight load on the axle, uneven running gear wear. What spare tire is suitable for constant driving? Only a full-fledged fifth wheel identical to the rest, and in two versions - winter and summer.
This is designed to quickly repair a punctured wheel, but will not help with significant damage. It is the case when it is better to play it safe - you still need an independent selection of tires.
Spare wheel discs can be used the cheapest.
Installing this spare tire, mainly on luxury cars, they do not need spares. The composition of the rubber and the design of the cord are such that they allow the car to drive before repair even with a flat tire: the tire will not fall off, the grip will remain.
If there is a space for storing a spare wheel in a special compartment in the trunk, on the roof or on the tailgate, then it must be included in the package of a new car. Used cars can be in a different condition, but they usually have a spare tire available. What should be the spare wheel so that it can be used as quickly as possible?
1. Existing. That is, in principle, it should be. There are drivers who do not even know what kind of spare tire is in their car and whether it is at all. Nevertheless, informed means armed, everyone knows this.
2. Pumped up. It is recommended to check the pressure in it monthly along with the diagnostics of regular wheels.
Or carry a compressor with you, then installing a spare tire will take more time, but you will have enough of your strength.
3. Whole. Talking about the wear of the spare wheel from friction in the trunk, of course, causes a smile. But if you already have a used car, then the shelf life affects the integrity of the tire. Check the spare tire rubber at least 1-2 times a year: cracks, white deposits are reasons for replacement, otherwise you may not get to the repair.
I go out in the morning (relatively), I'm in a hurry to go to work. I go to my car: damn it, the wheel is on the rim! We must change. But I'll be late for work. On the other hand, what is a wheel change? Unscrewed, removed, installed, screwed. 10 minutes, plus 30 for the road. I'll be late, but I'll make it. Decided: change the wheel. So, what is needed for this? Well, of course the spare. Where is she? In the trunk! Let's start with him.
Hmm, but the trunk won't open. Normal movie! And if it's stronger... Oops... the key is bent. Well, okay, the spare way to the trunk goes through the back seat, it's time to use it. I climbed in, I recline the seat - mother! What freak stuffed so much junk in the trunk? I?! Don't be silly - I would remember! But the spare tire is at the very bottom ... So, we will take it out in order ... Two old tires, why the hell do I drive them? Let's put them on the curb. So, I said DELIVERY, where did you go? What does "we are round" mean? Well, lie down then. Two rubber mats ... excuse me, where else is this from? Ah, these are old ones - it will be necessary to shake them off. The towing cable - look how shaggy, but metal. You bastard, he scratched his hand. Well, I'll remember it for you. And what is it that you have here in the trunk so slippery? Well, I understand that the oil spilled, the question is - from where? Ah, from an empty can... but where does the oil come from in an empty can? There always remains a little bit.
.. it's understandable... but it doesn't come out later? Yeah ... physics, damn it. Some diapers in the trunk, keys, a canister of water, a jack... Oh! Pull this one out anyway. Well, here, we raise the mat, here is the spare wheel, my dear ... Why are you such a heavy bastard? And dirty by the way ... Are you sure the spare tire? However, there is still no other. Well, let's put the jack on... But it won't spin... And we're stronger than it... And then with all our strength... Aha, that's it!
Tex, I forgot something... Mmm... Yeah, we had to spin it BEFORE we got up, so we're going back down. But the hands will be strong. Hmm, the bolts are rusty. What did you think? We are not in the garage. I'll try to hit the key with my foot ... Ep! And why do I love soft shoes so much? Let's try to jump on the key ... Hmm, we need to eat better ... Or sleep more ... And more than one ... Don't take it literally. What if you jump higher? O! I also studied physics. They creak but spin. So, what is this? Well, yes, I see that it is a secret, I ask how to twist it? Exactly, somewhere there was a nozzle.
I climb to look for an obvious place - it's not there. I climb into the non-obvious - for sure, here it lies. What freak put her here? I?! Don't be silly - I would remember!
So, you need to put on the nozzle (in the name there is an instruction - very convenient). Hmm, the bolt is rusty, the nozzle does not fit. And if her with a hammer, but stronger? Okay, then with the key ... Yes, harder ... I score, but I have a presentiment that the adventures with the secret have just begun ... Okay, now the main thing is to unscrew. Unscrewed. Leaky wheels off, put the spare tire ... Well, how dirty it is! Now twist, jump higher... No, you still need to eat better... Or sleep better. Twisted, remove the nozzle of the secret ... Let's try again ... And if so? What if you hit it with a hammer? Here she is.
It will be necessary to somehow think over the extraction process, but for now we will just beat until she gets off herself. She got down ... That's it! Do not argue next time with the king of nature.
So, why isn't the spare tire inflated? Disgrace, now you have to download. Where is our pump? There was somewhere... It seems somewhere in the back seat... Under that pile of junk... At the very bottom... What freak filled up the pump with junk? Are you talking nonsense again? However, I remember, I remember ... So, well, we begin to pump ... The pump, of course, is more for a bicycle ... Well, nothing, the main thing is patience. By the way, what about work? Ha, I'm not late anymore, well, that's great. Pumped up, already out of breath. Now we dump everything back, and the wheel is in the tire fitting - we just put it in the back.
Something suspiciously sank in the spare wheel, I pumped you up, you bastard! Let's measure the pressure ... So you're a bastard, still not a reserve! And also perforated. So now I have two punctured wheels for one car. This is already serious. We need to call Vitka, let him help take all this rubbish to the tire shop. I'm calling ... What does "the subscriber is not available" mean? I'm not interested in who and how accessible he is, I just want to talk to him! Again not available.
