Most new cars sold today do not come with a standard car jack. This is a significant shift from past decades. The primary reason is that manufacturers are focused on saving weight and space to improve fuel efficiency. Instead, many vehicles now come with a tire mobility kit, which includes a sealant and a compact air compressor, as a faster and safer alternative for dealing with a flat tire. Another common replacement is the inclusion of run-flat tires, which allow you to drive a limited distance to a service station after a puncture.
The inclusion of a jack largely depends on the vehicle's trim level and whether it has a spare tire. A car with a full-size or temporary spare tire is more likely to include a jack. However, many modern cars, especially compact and electric vehicles, omit the spare tire entirely to maximize cargo or battery space, making a jack unnecessary.
| Vehicle Type | Typical Jack & Spare Tire Inclusion | Common Alternatives |
|---|
| Full-Size Truck/SUV | High Likelihood (Full-size spare) | Scissor Jack included |
| Midsize Sedan/SUV | Mixed (Often temporary spare) | Tire Mobility Kit or Run-Flat Tires |
| Compact/Hatchback | Low Likelihood | Tire Mobility Kit is standard |
| Electric Vehicle (EV) | Very Unlikely | Tire Mobility Kit (to save weight) |
If you're unsure about your specific car, the quickest way to check is to look in your trunk or cargo area. The equipment should be stored with or near the spare tire. Your owner's manual will also have a section detailing the exact emergency equipment provided. For safety, it's crucial to understand how to use the equipment your car actually has, as the process for a mobility kit is very different from using a traditional jack.
