do rental cars have spare tires

[CalebFitz]

Most rental cars in the U.S. do not come with a traditional full-size spare tire. The standard practice for major rental companies is to equip their vehicles with a tire inflation kit (a sealant and compressor) or, less commonly, a temporary "donut" spare. This shift is primarily to save on weight and trunk space, which improves fuel efficiency across their large fleets. The best course of action is to assume your rental does not have a spare and to verify the equipment and emergency procedures before you leave the rental lot.

The most common alternative is a Tire Inflator Kit. This is an electronic air compressor paired with a sealant canister. It's designed to temporarily seal small punctures in the tread and reinflate the tire enough to drive to a repair shop. However, it's ineffective for sidewall damage or blowouts. Some higher-end or larger vehicles, like SUVs, might still include a temporary spare tire, which is a compact, space-saving tire intended for short-distance, low-speed use only.

Always check your rental agreement and the vehicle's trunk (including under the floor mat) for specific equipment. Before you drive off, physically confirm what emergency equipment is present. If you only have an inflation kit, ask the rental agent for a quick demonstration. It's also wise to save the rental company's emergency roadside assistance number in your phone. Knowing the procedure ahead of time can significantly reduce stress if you experience a flat tire on the road.

Rental Company	Typical Tire Solution	Roadside Assistance Contact	Notes
Enterprise	Tire Inflator Kit	Included in Rental	A temporary spare may be available in larger SUVs/trucks upon request.
Hertz	Tire Inflator Kit	Included in Rental	Run-flat tires are used on some specific models.
Avis	Tire Inflator Kit	Included in Rental	Check the trunk upon pickup; procedures can vary by location.
Budget	Tire Inflator Kit	Included in Rental	Similar to Avis; always verify equipment before leaving.
National	Tire Inflator Kit	Included in Rental	"Donut" spares are more common in their premium SUV fleet.

[Scott]

From my experience, it's a real gamble. I've rented compact sedans that just had a can of fix-a-flat in the trunk. But last year, the minivan we got for a family trip actually had a little donut spare under the back floor. I never rely on it, though. My first move is always to pop the trunk right there at the counter and check. If I don't see a spare, I make a point of asking the agent exactly what to do if we get a flat. It saves a panic attack later.

[MichaelLynn]

You should operate under the assumption that your rental car does not have a spare tire. The industry has largely moved to tire sealant kits to reduce vehicle weight and maximize cargo space. This means for any significant tire damage, you will be dependent on the rental company's roadside assistance. Your responsibility is to know how to contact them, which is always detailed in your rental contract and usually with a sticker on the windshield or key fob.

[DiKatherine]

Think of it from the rental company's bottom line. A full-size spare is heavy, cutting into fuel economy, and it takes up valuable trunk space that customers want. A tire inflation kit is cheaper, lighter, and simpler for them. It pushes the problem onto their roadside assistance provider, which they have a bulk contract with. So for them, it's a pure business decision that saves money, even if it's less convenient for you in an emergency.

[LeIker]

My advice is to be proactive. When you pick up the car, don't just check for scratches—open the trunk and look for the spare. If it's not there, ask the agent to show you the inflation kit and explain how it works. Then, take a photo of the roadside assistance number on the rental agreement. It’s a two-minute check that can save you hours stranded on the side of an unfamiliar highway. Peace of mind is worth that small effort before you start your trip.