Does the Mercedes-Benz GLC260 not have a spare tire?
2 Answers
Mercedes-Benz GLC260 does not have a spare tire. This is because the GLC260 is equipped with run-flat tires, which allow the vehicle to continue driving even if a tire is punctured, enabling the driver to reach a repair shop for replacement. Definition of a spare tire: A spare tire refers to an extra tire for a passenger car, typically matching the specifications of the original tires. However, some vehicles use specially designed spare tires to remind owners to inspect and replace faulty tires promptly, such as those with distinctive wheel rim colors, compact spares, folding spares, or run-flat tires. Types of spare tires: There are three types of spare tires: full-size spares, non-full-size spares, and run-flat tires. A full-size spare matches the specifications of the other four tires on the vehicle exactly and can replace any temporarily or permanently unusable tire. A non-full-size spare has a slightly smaller diameter and width compared to the other four tires, making it suitable only for temporary use and exclusively for non-driven wheels. Run-flat tires, also known as safety tires or colloquially as "anti-burst tires," are officially termed "tires that can run while flat" in the industry.
In the luxury SUV segment like the Mercedes-Benz GLC260, it's indeed common for many models not to come with a traditional spare tire. In my two-year-old GLC260, I only found a tire repair kit and an air pump in the trunk. Mercedes-Benz's official design primarily aims to reduce vehicle weight for better fuel efficiency and to free up trunk space for storage. However, they equip the car with run-flat tires, which are specially reinforced on the sides. Even if punctured by a nail and leaking air, these tires can still allow you to drive about 70-80 kilometers to reach a repair shop. It's advisable to regularly check the tire pressure monitoring system before driving and inspect the tire condition before long trips. In case of a sudden flat tire, the run-flat tires can reliably get you to the nearest service area. Many people aren't aware that they can opt to purchase a non-full-size spare tire for around 2,000 RMB to keep in the trunk as a backup, though this does come at the cost of some storage space.
