Does a New Car Come with a Spare Tire?
3 Answers
Does a new car come with a spare tire? A spare tire refers to the backup tire for a car, which has the same specifications as the original car tires. Precautions for using a spare tire include: 1. Regularly inspect the spare tire; 2. Do not use it for an extended period; 3. The spare tire should not be involved in tire rotation; 4. Avoid storing it with oil products. The steps for replacing a car spare tire are: 1. Retrieve the spare tire, jack, and tire wrench from the trunk; 2. Place the jack on the chassis support, slowly raise the car body, and place the tire pad under the car; 3. Use the wrench to remove the bolts of the tire that needs to be replaced and take off the tire; 4. Align the spare tire with the axle and bolt holes, then tighten the tire bolts.
I've driven several new cars recently, and not all of them came with a spare tire. I remember checking the configuration sheet when accompanying a friend to pick up their car. Nowadays, many cars, especially new energy vehicles, omit the spare tire to reduce weight and save fuel, replacing it with a tire repair kit instead. For example, Tesla uses sealant and an air pump as an alternative, and when you lift the trunk floor, you only see a small recess. However, hardcore off-road vehicles like the Toyota Prado still come with a full-size spare tire mounted on the rear. As for sedans, Japanese brands are more likely to include one. Salespeople often don't mention this detail, so I recommend checking the accessory list in the manual before signing the contract or directly opening the trunk to confirm the presence of that round-shaped compartment.
As someone who frequently helps others choose cars, I've found that spare tire configurations mainly depend on three factors: brand positioning, vehicle space, and cost control. Luxury brands like BMW, Benz, and Audi (BBA) have mostly switched to run-flat tires with air pumps in recent years, keeping the trunk neat and aesthetically pleasing; mainstream brands like Volkswagen retain compact spare tires in some models with speed limits of 80km/h. Interestingly, seven-seater SUVs often come with full-size spares due to ample space. Here's a lesser-known fact: vehicles without spare tires actually have more comprehensive emergency kits—tire sealant can temporarily fix nail punctures, but blowouts require towing. My advice? Opt for roadside assistance coverage—it's far more convenient than lugging around a spare tire.
