Does Every Car Have a Spare Tire?
2 Answers
New cars are generally equipped with a spare tire. Key points to check when inspecting a new car are as follows: 1. Paint: When inspecting a new car, walk around the vehicle to check for any scratches or color discrepancies on the paint surface. Scratches can easily occur during transportation. 2. Mileage: Typically, new cars may have been moved around after production, so a mileage of around ten kilometers is normal. However, if the mileage exceeds 70 kilometers, it usually indicates that the car has been used by someone else, so be cautious. 3. Lights: Inspect the car's lighting system, including headlights, brake lights, fog lights, turn signals, etc. 4. Tires: Check the car tires for any wear, ensure the spare tire is intact, the tire hairs are normal, and the production dates are close. 5. Engine: Start the vehicle to check if the engine operates normally without any abnormal vibrations or other symptoms.
I've been driving for almost 30 years. Back then, a spare tire was standard equipment in every car—who didn't rely on it for emergencies during long trips? But now, that's not necessarily the case. I've seen many new cars, especially hybrids or electric vehicles, where manufacturers omit the spare tire to save space and reduce weight, replacing it with a tire repair kit or inflation tools. I remember once on a self-drive trip to Tibet, a friend's brand-new SUV didn’t have a spare tire. When the tire blew, we had to rely on the included sealant to limp to the nearest repair shop. While this change offers some convenience, it could be a real headache if you're stranded in the middle of nowhere with no signal. That's why I always remind people to check the manual when buying a car to see if it comes with a spare tire—safety isn't something to take lightly. Oh, and another thing—many cars now mount the spare tire underneath the vehicle, where it’s exposed to the elements and prone to rust over time. Make sure to inspect it regularly to ensure it’s usable when needed.
