How to Go on a Long Trip Without a Spare Tire in a Hybrid Car?
2 Answers
Nowadays, many cars are equipped with run-flat tires, which can continue driving for 80km at zero tire pressure (at a speed not exceeding 80km/h), so long trips can be made even without a spare tire. Here is some extended information: 1. Introduction: Hybrid vehicles, also known as composite power vehicles (Hybrid-Power-Automobile in English), refer to vehicles equipped with more than one power source, such as batteries, fuel cells, solar cells, and generator sets of internal combustion locomotives. Currently, composite power vehicles generally refer to those with an internal combustion locomotive generator plus a battery. 2. Benefits of hybrid models: During long-distance travel, a hybrid car can go much farther on a single tank of gas, easily exceeding 1,000 kilometers. The usage of hybrid models is not much different from that of traditional fuel cars, but the driving experience, power, and comfort are significantly better. In principle, the reason hybrid cars save fuel is that they improve engine utilization. Although they have motors and batteries, the motor power does not need to be too high, nor does the battery capacity. The overall weight and volume do not increase significantly. The biggest advantage of hybrid cars is that they are close to electric vehicles but do not require separate charging.
I've been driving a hybrid for several years, and not having a spare tire is quite common. You need to be prepared for long trips. Carry a portable air pump and a tire repair kit – those emergency tool kits are quite handy and allow you to temporarily fix a flat tire yourself. Last time I went to the mountains, my tire had a small puncture, so I quickly used the kit to patch it up and then inflated it to keep driving. The benefit of not having a spare is that the car is lighter and more fuel-efficient, but it comes with higher risks. I recommend joining a roadside assistance program, like those included with insurance or third-party services, which offer free towing. Before setting off, carefully check tire pressure and wear, and don’t forget to bring a warning triangle and a first-aid kit. This makes long trips much less stressful, as you can at least make it to a repair shop. Also, consider using puncture-resistant tires for daily driving—they last longer and cause fewer issues.