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Obsession with fuel economy makes spare tires disappear

GasBuddy Blog -- Does it make sense to you that the new car you drive out of the dealer's showroom comes without a spare tire? A lot of people shake their heads but we've all got to get used to it.

The spare tire is disappearing from vehicles in the same manner that cigarette lighters did and it's not because fewer car buyers want them, or the space they take up, it's all because of the weight they add to the vehicle.

Increasing federal regulations have driven the auto industry's obsession with fuel economy while volatile gas prices have directed consumers to look in the same direction... That's what led to the development of the "temporary" compact spare tire in the '80s and those same pressures may now eliminate spare tires entirely...

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Submitted Jun 29, 2012 By: PD

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KarateDude Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:2,486 Points:833,840 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jul 16, 2012 3:15:49 PM Ignore KarateDude Report Abuse Let me guess....spare tires aren't needed anymore, therefore the auto manufacturers will quit putting them into the vehicles, however for an additional price a spare tire will be included...
KarateDude Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:2,486 Points:833,840 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jul 16, 2012 3:14:05 PM Ignore KarateDude Report Abuse I didn't realized that a cigarette lighter added that much weidht to the vehicle...
Gnusman53 Champion Author San Diego Posts:6,988 Points:1,108,420 Joined:Feb 2004	Message Posted: Jul 6, 2012 5:17:59 PM Ignore Gnusman53 Report Abuse pick up a used tire and wheel.... and put it in the boot
pilotmass Champion Author Boston Posts:1,808 Points:499,685 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Jul 6, 2012 6:57:22 AM Ignore pilotmass Report Abuse Refuse to jinx myself by saying its been along time since I've had a flat. Dammit I'm done for now.
mullingspices Champion Author Honolulu Posts:10,778 Points:2,115,050 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 5:16:31 PM Ignore mullingspices Report Abuse Most sealants we've run into in the tire shop don't do a good job, and usually ruin the tire and rim. If saving weight is that important, the manufacturers should go to narrower tires and rims which weigh less. You give up some handling but cars handle so well today we don't need as much as we have, anyway. Or, get rid of the spare entirely. The consumer can figure it out.
TH34 Champion Author Baltimore Posts:4,215 Points:2,261,365 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 8:03:10 AM Ignore TH34 Report Abuse If you run over anything big, the sealants aren't going to do any good. You will have to be towed. To be fair, tires are much better than they used to be.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,590 Points:1,606,595 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 7:43:03 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse I'm betting on the fact that by the time I buy a new car, tires have evolved to where they won't puncture and thus, warrant a spare ... yea...I can dream.
Gnusman53 Champion Author San Diego Posts:6,988 Points:1,108,420 Joined:Feb 2004	Message Posted: Jul 1, 2012 1:17:48 PM Ignore Gnusman53 Report Abuse or as the Brits would say... put it in the "boot"... (grin)
Gnusman53 Champion Author San Diego Posts:6,988 Points:1,108,420 Joined:Feb 2004	Message Posted: Jul 1, 2012 1:16:35 PM Ignore Gnusman53 Report Abuse If you have a sedan... throw one in the trunk.
Gnusman53 Champion Author San Diego Posts:6,988 Points:1,108,420 Joined:Feb 2004	Message Posted: Jul 1, 2012 1:14:24 PM Ignore Gnusman53 Report Abuse If you have a pick-up, there is no need for this argument. Just buy one, and throw it in back.
rodwade1 All-Star Author Maine Posts:556 Points:620,760 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jul 1, 2012 12:03:08 PM Ignore rodwade1 Report Abuse Oh My !!
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,590 Points:1,606,595 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jul 1, 2012 12:01:16 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse bad ideas have always been around ... and w/ ppl's IQ seemingly dropping by the month, it's no surprise.
Candy4430 Champion Author Wichita Posts:3,771 Points:668,050 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 5:50:56 PM Ignore Candy4430 Report Abuse This is a bad idea, then no need for a jack either. Bad idea.....
remay Champion Author Houston Posts:6,953 Points:2,114,690 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 11:55:16 AM Ignore remay Report Abuse "auto makers are replacing spare tires with tire sealants and an inflation kit to fix most flats" What about run flat tires? Where are THEY in this mox?
kgbellman Champion Author Ann Arbor Posts:2,698 Points:728,915 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 11:29:07 AM Ignore kgbellman Report Abuse If you want room in the trunk / hatchback and want the security of being able to continue after a flat tire, then deal with the donut, then get to a service station quickly thereafter
Gnusman53 Champion Author San Diego Posts:6,988 Points:1,108,420 Joined:Feb 2004	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 9:35:24 AM Ignore Gnusman53 Report Abuse If you want a full-size spare...just buy one and put it in your trunk..... no need to whine.
Gnusman53 Champion Author San Diego Posts:6,988 Points:1,108,420 Joined:Feb 2004	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 9:29:43 AM Ignore Gnusman53 Report Abuse Biggest hazzard is behind the wheel..... not the spare
OldMan322 Champion Author Illinois Posts:5,140 Points:1,591,815 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 9:28:12 AM Ignore OldMan322 Report Abuse NUTS !!!
dave27johnson Champion Author Chicago Posts:1,787 Points:405,950 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 9:24:17 AM Ignore dave27johnson Report Abuse How about tires that don't get flat?
mike1881 Champion Author Fayetteville Posts:1,280 Points:561,500 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 9:08:39 AM Ignore mike1881 Report Abuse Old article, but I would rather have a spare. Fuel economy means nothing when you get a flat.
DanMtz Champion Author Oakland Posts:3,340 Points:1,240,400 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:52:30 AM Ignore DanMtz Report Abuse I think I'll choose the spare tire.
blueeye All-Star Author Pennsylvania Posts:761 Points:605,915 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:44:17 AM Ignore blueeye Report Abuse oh boy
teamsimons Champion Author South Carolina Posts:2,458 Points:499,095 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:24:41 AM Ignore teamsimons Report Abuse Yesterday's news...
FNB1967 Champion Author Ontario Posts:1,817 Points:763,195 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:24:18 AM Ignore FNB1967 Report Abuse I will take a spare tire and suffer with less fuel mileage. Really how much would a spare tire effect your fuel mileage. Heres an idea how about everyone loss 20 pounds
TAT36 Champion Author Florida Posts:6,789 Points:1,301,075 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:18:35 AM Ignore TAT36 Report Abuse Several years ago the space saver spare was introduced to save space but was put in the same place as the regular spare. You could buy a full sized one if you wanted. It is the same today no spare, more space, less weight, less cost. The last helps a little with the bottom line of both the manufacturer and the dealer. No spare less cost, buy a spare more money and a little more profit.
gabisgram Champion Author Michigan Posts:2,181 Points:909,325 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:09:11 AM Ignore gabisgram Report Abuse My vehicle actually has a full size spare, if you can believe it.
danny999 Champion Author Florida Posts:8,708 Points:1,636,135 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:08:42 AM Ignore danny999 Report Abuse iT'S A SAFETY HAZARD.Try getting caught on the Interstate during rush hour traffic with a DONUT as a tire.Maximum speed 35 MPH.Ihad to drive over 20 miles like that.Never had soooo many people show me their I.Q.,in one day.
SpruceGuse2 Champion Author Michigan Posts:9,719 Points:2,451,760 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:05:41 AM Ignore SpruceGuse2 Report Abuse What a concept....................
Foxt Champion Author Minnesota Posts:5,245 Points:2,017,405 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:04:15 AM Ignore Foxt Report Abuse When's the last time you changed a tire? I think they may be right, but I'd rather have piece of mind.
ILVET Champion Author Illinois Posts:14,779 Points:2,922,690 Joined:Jan 2005	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:04:03 AM Ignore ILVET Report Abuse Then dont buy the car
spiderjay Champion Author Little Rock Posts:4,773 Points:1,282,235 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:02:33 AM Ignore spiderjay Report Abuse I know finding tires for my car is almost Impossible
NatureBoyKY Champion Author Kentucky Posts:3,348 Points:1,293,210 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:02:19 AM Ignore NatureBoyKY Report Abuse 1. Old news. 2. Terrible idea, auto companies. I would not buy a car without a spare tire.
papou Champion Author Tampa Posts:10,869 Points:1,903,410 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:01:58 AM Ignore papou Report Abuse thats stupid we need the spare I recently had a flat at night and AAA was not available in that area ,without a spare me and my wife would have had to spend the night in the car. It has not said how much they are deducting from cars price for the tire ?
nerde Champion Author Florida Posts:6,403 Points:1,311,770 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:01:57 AM Ignore nerde Report Abuse I just looked and my spare didn't disappear.
yvonneIL Champion Author Chicago Posts:3,704 Points:735,200 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:01:53 AM Ignore yvonneIL Report Abuse ok
BJ1947 Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:1,270 Points:478,360 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:01:13 AM Ignore BJ1947 Report Abuse Thanks obama!!
Edpap Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:4,310 Points:504,000 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:00:45 AM Ignore Edpap Report Abuse don't leave home without one
subnuke Champion Author Atlanta Posts:7,493 Points:1,506,440 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:00:30 AM Ignore subnuke Report Abuse This is government out of control
cateyes8264 Champion Author Tennessee Posts:2,957 Points:641,115 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 7:59:22 AM Ignore cateyes8264 Report Abuse blame the e.p.a not the car companies
GasPriceHelp4u Champion Author Dayton Posts:2,672 Points:565,875 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 7:59:14 AM Ignore GasPriceHelp4u Report Abuse Not a great idea!!!
drawee Champion Author Texas Posts:2,290 Points:445,135 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 7:58:53 AM Ignore drawee Report Abuse k
bababooey2 Champion Author Hartford Posts:6,337 Points:1,299,915 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 7:57:41 AM Ignore bababooey2 Report Abuse That's crazy.
reb4 Champion Author Chicago Posts:19,083 Points:1,819,200 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 7:56:53 AM Ignore reb4 Report Abuse yea, I agree that the exclusion of a spare tire is not safe and they should not exclude this as an option. The ev's are doing this and its crazy...
WES03 Champion Author Maryland Posts:4,828 Points:1,262,445 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 7:54:44 AM Ignore WES03 Report Abuse Actions always have consequences intended and unintended.
BigDogOH Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:8,488 Points:1,804,895 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 7:54:39 AM Ignore BigDogOH Report Abuse I carry a full size spare
Bus936 Champion Author Lexington Posts:16,429 Points:3,217,080 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 7:54:34 AM Ignore Bus936 Report Abuse This is nothing more than manufacturing companies cutting back and putting more unnecessary gadgets on vehicles, thereby cutting down on safety issues like the spare tire.
metrojeep Champion Author Fort Worth Posts:2,234 Points:432,695 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 7:53:38 AM Ignore metrojeep Report Abuse Some GM vehicles have them now. So if you have a flat you must use the sealant or call roadside asst.
FuelBarge Champion Author Long Island Posts:9,185 Points:2,073,365 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 7:50:13 AM Ignore FuelBarge Report Abuse Frankly this is worrisome. Back in 2006 I had a flat on a long trip to Canada that was from some debris in the roadway on NY-17. It caused a sidewall gash that no sealant or patch was going to fix. Wound up having to replace the tire along the way. Having the spare got me back on the road again from the middle of nowhere. At the time, there was no cell phone service with my carrier (T-Mobile) in that area (the following year there was coverage) and no way I was going to be able to call AAA (which we had). One has to wonder if they could not look at lighter materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum to reduce the weight of the donut. [Edited by: FuelBarge at 6/30/2012 7:51:40 AM EST]
ChristinaCricke Champion Author New Jersey Posts:3,727 Points:764,650 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 7:50:06 AM Ignore ChristinaCricke Report Abuse I will always have a spare tire....
car253 Champion Author Ohio Posts:6,283 Points:1,466,670 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 7:50:01 AM Ignore car253 Report Abuse No free lunch, the Feds wants higher mileage and there will be compromises and many of them the consumer will not like.