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Many new cars omit a spare tire to save weight, cargo space and equipment cost—but there is no federal rule requiring automakers to include one. Instead, a car may come with a sealant-and-inflator kit, run-flat tires, or no backup equipment. What you get depends on the specific vehicle, so check its equipment list and owner’s manual rather than assuming a spare is in the trunk.
Why automakers leave out spare tires
A spare, jack and lug wrench add weight and take up space. Automakers commonly cite those trade-offs, along with the potential fuel-economy benefit of reducing vehicle weight. But that does not mean removing a spare guarantees a noticeable mileage improvement for an individual driver; the effect is one factor in vehicle efficiency, and packaging priorities vary by model. Skipping the equipment can also reduce cost.
There is no federal requirement for every new vehicle to include a spare. In a 2008 interpretation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it did not mandate spares and noted that it had no federal motor vehicle safety standard specifically addressing tire sealants. The interpretation also did not determine that sealant and an inflator were a technological improvement over a spare. Read NHTSA’s interpretation.
What a new car may provide instead
| Equipment | What it can do | Limits to check |
|---|---|---|
| Sealant-and-inflator kit | May temporarily repair some small punctures. | It cannot fix many problems, including sidewall damage and blowouts. AAA says many kits have a four-to-eight-year shelf life; check the date and instructions for the kit in your car. AAA’s guidance. |
| Run-flat tires | Some tires can be driven for a limited distance after losing pressure. | Usable speed and distance depend on the specific tire and vehicle. Follow their guidance rather than assuming all run-flats have the same limits. AAA explains the alternatives. |
| No backup equipment | There may be no onboard tire repair or replacement option. | Check the equipment list before purchase or travel and decide whether to arrange roadside assistance. |
| Aftermarket temporary spare kit | A vehicle-specific kit can include a temporary wheel and tire, jack and lug wrench. | Confirm wheel fitment and jack clearance at the car’s lifting point. A jack that fits beneath the car with an inflated tire may not fit when the tire is flat. See AAA’s fitment advice. |
| Roadside assistance | Can provide help when you cannot safely continue. | It is a service contingency, not a replacement tire; coverage and response details depend on the plan. AAA recommends considering coverage. |
How to check what your car includes
- Check the equipment list. Ask the dealer or seller whether a spare is included, optional, or unavailable for the exact vehicle and trim.
- Inspect the cargo area. Look beneath the floor and in the storage compartments for a spare, jack, wrench, or repair kit.
- Read the owner’s manual. Find the tire-change or puncture-repair instructions and follow the vehicle-specific restrictions.
- Check any kit’s condition. Read its instructions and expiration date; do not assume it will handle every puncture.
- Verify an aftermarket kit before buying. Match the wheel to the vehicle and confirm the jack reaches the factory lifting point with a flat tire.
What to expect from a flat-tire repair option
Sealant is aimed at some small tread punctures, not sidewall damage or a blowout. Run-flat capability is limited by the tire maker’s speed and distance guidance. A temporary spare lets you change a wheel if the spare and tools fit the car, but it occupies storage space and needs maintenance, including pressure checks. If none of those options is suitable, a tow may be necessary.
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#1 Best Overall
StanceMagic Spare Wheel Tire Kit fits Tesla Model Y (2020-2026) + Juniper
- StanceMagic Compact Spare Wheel Tire Kit compatible with Tesla Model Y (2020-2026), including Juniper. Fits all trims: Standard Range, Long Range, RWD, AWD, and Performance. Drive your Tesla with confidence with this complete wheel and tire changing kit. Includes Compact Wheel, Spare Tire, Scissor Jack, Lug Wrench, Sockets, and Storage Bag Carrying Case Complete Kit.
- Modern Style -- Our 6 spoke gloss black 18x4 wheel has 5x114.3 bolt pattern and Hubcentric 64.1mm bore. Cone conical lug hole seats are compatible with the OE factory lug nuts. 1518lb / 690kg load rating. NOTE: Not compatible with aftermarket brake calipers and/or covers.
- Perfect match -- The 155/85R18 radial tire was chosen specifically to fit Tesla Model Y with tire sizes: 255/45R19, 255/40R20, 255/35R21, and 275/35R21. Featuring a proper 28.5 inch rolling diameter ensures speed sensors work normally and prevents error codes.
- High Quality Tools Included -- Comes with a Ratcheting 2 ton (4,000 lb) Scissor Jack, Extendable Lug Wrench (telescopic breaker bar), Two Chrome Vanadium Sockets (double sided, offering 17mm 19mm 21mm 22mm Sizes), and Large carrying case bag with handle for easy storage and transport.
- Storage -- Fits in the rear trunk (as shown in image). Does Not fit in frunk (front trunk). Does Not fit under the compartment under the trunk (sub trunk).
Do not treat tire-pressure monitoring as a spare-tire substitute. NHTSA says the Tire Pressure Monitoring System warns when a tire is significantly underinflated; it does not prevent punctures. NHTSA recommends monthly manual pressure checks even for vehicles with TPMS. NHTSA TireWise: tire safety and pressure monitoring.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How common is it for new cars to lack a spare?
AAA reported in October 2017 that 28 percent of 2017 model-year vehicles lacked a spare as standard equipment. It also said it had assisted more than 450,000 members with a flat in the prior year when their cars did not have a spare. Those are historical figures, not a current estimate of how many new cars lack one. The practical point is to verify the equipment on the exact car you are considering.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Afolonsh Spare Tire Kit for 2021-2026 Ford Bronco Sport
- Engineered Specifically for Ford Bronco Sport (2021-2026): Designed for the Ford Bronco Sport models from 2021 through 2026. Fits all trims including Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands, and Heritage Edition. Replaces the factory inflator kit or missing spare with a complete, adventure-ready solution
- Complete Ready-to-Use Kit: Includes a 155/85R18 compact spare tire (pre-inflated and mounted), a heavy-duty 2.5-ton scissor jack with a padded top to protect your vehicle's pinch welds, a correctly sized lug wrench, a durable portable storage bag, and a pair of protective gloves-everything needed for a fast, safe roadside tire change
- Adventure-Ready Reliability: Whether you're off-roading, camping, or navigating daily commutes, this actual spare tire provides peace of mind that sealant kits simply can't match. Unlike temporary inflator kits that fail on sidewall punctures or blowouts, this spare gets you back on the trail or road immediately
- Robust 2 -Ton Jack and Tools: The scissor jack exceeds the weight requirements of the Bronco Sport, offering stable lifting with a padded head to prevent paint damage. The cross-style lug wrench provides superior leverage for loosening factory-torqued lug nuts with minimal effort-essential for off-road recovery situations
- Travel-Ready Organization: Comes with a rugged, high-visibility Oxford fabric storage bag. Keep the jack, wrench, gloves, and spare tire neatly organized in the rear cargo area-no rattling, no loose items, and a clean, professional appearance that preserves valuable cargo space for your gear
Rank #4
Modern Spare - Fits 2013-2026 Honda Accord Hybrid - Complete Kit
- Engineered Model-Specific Spare for your Honda Accord Hybrid: Uncompromising quality, this Honda Accord Hybrid spare tire kit stores neatly in the under-trunk storage space with included hold-down hardware assembly. A must-have Honda Accord accessory compatible with 2013–2026 models
- Durable, Lightweight Alloy Spare Wheel & Tire Assembly: Includes a Modern Spare proprietary 18x4 lightweight aluminum alloy wheel with a 5x114.3mm bolt pattern. This hub-centric car donut tire spare is paired with a Continental T135/70R18 radial spare tire (DOT rated 104M) featuring a 25.5” rolling diameter for extended use and range. Compatible lug nuts are included with each spare tire kit option.
- Quality and Compatibility Beyond What Is Obvious: Engineered with proper wheel offset to prevent strain on wheel bearings and enlarged brake caliper clearance, ensuring full compatibility with Honda Accord braking systems, including Sport and Hybrid trims. Modern Spare tire can be used on either the front or rear of the vehicle.
- Available Variation: Complete Spare Tire Changing Kit: Includes a Modern Spare-exclusive 4,000 lb scissor jack with vehicle-specific jack head, easy-lift ratcheting handle, ultra-high torque compact cross-wrench with dual reversible 17mm, 19mm, 21mm, and 22mm sockets. A complete value spare solution for Honda Accord owners.
- Available Variation: Super-Kit with Added Safety and Stabilizing Features: Optional Modern Spare Super Kit enhances roadside safety with two compact collapsible wheel chocks to stabilize a raised vehicle, a high-visibility vest for low-light conditions, and three reflective wide-angle warning triangles to alert approaching drivers. Do not compromise on safety.
Rank #3
Modern Spare - Fits 2020-2026 Honda CRV Hybrid
- Engineered Model-Specific Spare for Your Honda CR-V Hybrid: Designed specifically for the Honda CR-V Hybrid, this model-specific spare tire is a must-have Honda CR-V accessory. Ideal for drivers looking to complete their 2024–2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid accessories with a reliable spare tire solution.
- Durable, Lightweight Alloy Spare Wheel & Tire Assembly: Includes a Modern Spare proprietary 18x4 lightweight aluminum alloy spare wheel with a 5x114.3mm bolt pattern. This hub-centric spare donut tire with rim is paired with a T155/90R18 radial donut spare tire (DOT rated 113M) featuring a 29” rolling diameter for extended use and range. Compatible lug nuts are included with each spare tire kit.
- Quality and Compatibility Beyond What Is Obvious: Engineered with proper wheel offset to prevent strain on wheel bearings and enlarged brake caliper clearance, ensuring full compatibility with Honda CR-V Hybrid braking systems. The spare wheel can be safely used on either the front or rear of the vehicle and works alongside factory Honda CR-V tires and touring tire setups.
- Available Complete Tire Changing Kit: This complete spare tire kit includes a Modern Spare-exclusive 4,000 lb scissor jack with vehicle-specific jack head, easy-lift ratcheting handle, ultra-high torque compact cross-wrench with dual reversible 17mm, 19mm, 21mm, and 22mm sockets, plus a large poly tire bag for transporting a dirty, failed tire while protecting the interior. An essential addition to Honda CR-V hybrid accessories.
- Available Ultra-Kit with Added Safety and Stabilizing Features: Optional Modern Spare Ultra Kit enhances roadside safety with two compact collapsible wheel chocks to stabilize a raised vehicle, a high-visibility vest for low-light conditions, and three reflective wide-angle warning triangles to alert approaching drivers. Do not compromise on safety.
Rank #2
Sale
Spare Tire Kit Fits 2021-2026 Hyundai Tucson & Santa Fe, Kia Sportage
- FIT FOR HYUNDAI & KIA SUVS: Engineered specifically for the 20212026 Hyundai Tucson, 20212026 Hyundai Santa Fe, and 20212026 Kia Sportage. Fits all trims (including hybrid and plugin hybrid models where applicable). Replaces the factory inflator kit or missing spare with a complete, readytouse solution
- COMPLETE READYTOUSE KIT: Includes a 155/90R18 compact spare tire (preinflated and mounted), a heavyduty 2 ton scissor jack with a padded top to protect your vehicle's pinch welds, a correctly sized lug wrench, a durable portable storage bag, and a pair of protective gloves-everything needed for a fast, safe roadside tire change
- SUVREADY RELIABILITY: Unlike temporary sealant kits that fail on sidewall punctures or blowouts, this actual spare tire ensures you're never stranded-whether on a road trip, in remote areas, or during inclement weather. Provides peace of mind for daily commutes and weekend adventures
- ROBUST 2 TON JACK & TOOLS: The scissor jack exceeds the weight requirements of these midsize SUVs, offering stable lifting with a padded head to prevent paint damage. The crossstyle lug wrench provides superior leverage for loosening factorytorqued lug nuts with minimal effort
- TRAVELREADY ORGANIZATION: Comes with a rugged, highvisibility Oxford fabric storage bag. Keep the jack, wrench, gloves, and spare tire neatly organized in the rear cargo area-no rattling, no loose items, and a clean, professional appearance that preserves valuable trunk space for gear and luggage
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
