Posted on 5/30/2025
If you've recently purchased a new vehicle and popped the trunk expecting to find a spare tire, you might have been surprised—or frustrated—to find an empty space or a small air compressor instead. You're not alone. Many modern vehicles no longer come equipped with a spare tire, and that trend isn’t going away anytime soon. So why are spare tires disappearing from new cars, and what are manufacturers offering in their place? Here’s what you should know before hitting the road without one. Automakers Are Focused on Weight and Efficiency One of the biggest reasons spare tires are being phased out is weight reduction. Spare tires, jacks, and lug wrenches can add 30 to 50 pounds or more to a vehicle. Removing that extra weight helps improve fuel economy, which matters a lot when automakers are trying to meet strict emissions and mileage standards. By cutting out the spare, manufacturers can claim slightly better fuel efficiency and offer ... read more