Most new cars no longer include a full spare tire
The short answer: probably not. Most new vehicles sold today come with a tire repair kit or tire sealant canister instead of a traditional spare tire. Some manufacturers skip both and rely on roadside information. A few higher-end or truck models still include a full spare, but it is no longer standard across the industry.
This shift happened gradually over the past 15 years as automakers reduced weight to improve fuel economy and created more trunk space. What you get depends on the make, model, and trim level — and it matters because it changes what you need to carry and how you handle a flat tire on the road.
Key Takeaways
- Most new cars come with a tire repair kit (a can of sealant and a small air pump) rather than a spare tire.
- Some vehicles come with a compact spare tire, which is smaller and lighter than a full-size spare but still lets you drive to a repair shop.
- Luxury and electric vehicles often skip both options and instead include roadside information coverage that will tow you if you have a flat.
- Check your vehicle's manual or the trunk before you buy to confirm what flat-tire solution is included.
- Repair kits work only on punctures in the tread; they cannot fix sidewall damage or large tears.
What manufacturers are actually putting in trunks now
The most common setup is a tire repair kit, sometimes called a tire sealant system. This is a pressurized canister filled with a rubber-based sealant and a small electric air pump (usually powered by your 12-volt outlet). You screw the canister onto the tire valve, pump air in, and drive slowly to a repair shop. The sealant seals the puncture from the inside as the tire rotates.
The second option is a compact spare tire — a smaller, thinner wheel that fits in the trunk and weighs less than a full-size spare. You can change it yourself using the jack and lug wrench that come in the car, or you can call for help. It is designed for temporary use only; most manufacturers recommend driving no faster than 50 mph and no more than 70 miles before getting a permanent repair.
The third option is no spare at all. Instead, the manufacturer includes a subscription to roadside information (often through AAA or the brand's own service). If you get a flat, you call the number, and a tow truck comes to you. This is common on luxury brands, electric vehicles, and some newer compact cars.
Why manufacturers stopped including full spare tires
A full-size spare tire weighs 40 to 50 pounds. Removing that weight lowers fuel consumption and emissions — both of which affect the EPA ratings that influence buyer decisions and regulatory compliance. The weight savings also freed up trunk space, which manufacturers marketed as a feature.
Repair kits and compact spares weigh far less, and roadside information costs the manufacturer almost nothing to bundle in. From a business standpoint, the shift made sense. From a driver's standpoint, it means you have fewer options if you are stranded far from cell service or in an area where tow trucks take hours to arrive.
What to check before you buy a new car
Open the trunk and look. If there is a wheel under the floor panel, you have a spare (full-size or compact). If there is a canister, you have a repair kit. If there is neither, check the owner's manual or ask the dealer what flat-tire coverage is included.
This matters if you drive long distances on rural roads, tow a trailer, or live somewhere with unpredictable weather. A repair kit will not work on a sidewall puncture or a large tear. A compact spare will get you moving, but you cannot drive it like a permanent tire. Roadside information is convenient in cities but unreliable in remote areas.
If the vehicle does not come with what you want, you can buy an aftermarket spare tire and mounting hardware separately. A full-size spare for a sedan costs $150 to $300; installation runs another $50 to $100. A compact spare is cheaper. Many people who drive frequently in rural areas or tow trailers choose to add a full spare even if the manufacturer did not include one.
How repair kits work and when they fail
A tire repair kit works by injecting sealant into the tire through the valve stem, then using the small pump to re-inflate it. The sealant coats the inside of the tire and seals small punctures as the tire rotates. You then drive to a repair shop — slowly, because the sealant is temporary and the tire may not hold pressure at highway speeds.
Repair kits have real limits. They work only on punctures in the tread area (the part that touches the road). They cannot fix punctures in the sidewall, which is the curved part of the tire. They cannot repair large tears or damage from running over sharp objects. If you hit a pothole hard enough to damage the rim, the kit will not help. Once you use the sealant, a tire shop has to clean it out before they can patch or plug the tire, which adds time and sometimes cost.
Some drivers keep a repair kit in the car even if their vehicle comes with a spare, because the kit takes up almost no space and can be a backup if the spare is damaged or already in use.
Compact spares versus full-size spares
A compact spare is a real tire on a real wheel, just smaller and thinner. It is designed to get you to a repair shop safely, not to be a permanent replacement. Most compact spares are rated for 50 mph and 70 miles of driving. After that, they can overheat or fail. You also cannot use a compact spare on the drive wheel of a front-wheel-drive car for more than a short distance, because the size difference can damage the transmission.
A full-size spare is the same size and type as your other four tires. You can drive it at highway speeds for as long as you need, and you can use it on any wheel. The trade-off is weight and trunk space. Full-size spares are standard on trucks, SUVs, and some sedans, but they are becoming rarer on compact cars and hybrids.
If you are deciding between two vehicles and one has a compact spare while the other has a repair kit, the compact spare gives you more flexibility. If you are deciding between a compact spare and a full-size spare, the full-size is more reliable — but it costs more and takes up more room.
What roadside information coverage actually covers
If your car comes with roadside information instead of a spare, the coverage usually includes a tow to the nearest repair shop or a location of your choice. Some plans also include tire changes, lockout service, and fuel delivery. The catch is that you have to call and wait, which can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on where you are.
Roadside information is most useful if you drive mostly in populated areas where tow trucks are plentiful. It is less useful if you drive in remote areas, on long road trips, or during bad weather when tow trucks are backed up. Some plans have limits on how far they will tow you (often 100 miles), so check the fine print before you rely on it.
If roadside information is your only flat-tire option and you are uncomfortable with that, buying an aftermarket compact or full-size spare is a straightforward solution. Many dealers will install one at the time of purchase for a lower price than buying it later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a tire repair kit on a sidewall puncture?
No. Repair kits work only on punctures in the tread (the part that touches the road). Sidewall damage cannot be sealed because the sidewall flexes as the tire rotates, and the sealant cannot hold. If you puncture the sidewall, you need a spare tire or roadside information to get to a repair shop.
What happens if I drive too fast or too far on a compact spare?
The tire can overheat, lose pressure, or fail completely. Compact spares are rated for 50 mph and 70 miles. Driving faster or farther stresses the tire beyond its design limits. If you need to go farther, call a tow truck or stop and wait for roadside information.
Can I buy a full-size spare and have it installed after I buy the car?
Yes. You can purchase a full-size spare tire and wheel from a tire shop or online retailer and have it installed for $50 to $150 in labor. Some dealers will also do this at the time of purchase. It is a straightforward upgrade if your vehicle did not come with one.
Do electric vehicles come with spares?
Most do not. Electric vehicles are heavier than gas cars, so removing spare tire weight is especially important for range. Most EVs come with either a repair kit or roadside information. Check the manual for your specific model.
Is a repair kit better than a compact spare?
Neither is objectively better — it depends on your situation. A repair kit is lighter, takes up less space, and works for most common punctures. A compact spare gives you more control and works on damage a kit cannot fix. If you drive long distances or in remote areas, a compact spare is more reliable. If you drive mostly in cities, a repair kit is usually enough.