Gas Mileage or Peace of Mind? The Real Reason Spares are Vanishing

If you have a new car, you may want to check the trunk.

Where is the Spare?

My fear has always been the dreaded flat tire. I know the basics of how to change the thing, but I am never sure about those lugnuts. I remember one instance years ago when my father started to change my tire only to be stopped in his tracks by overly tight lugnuts. The guys at the car dealership obviously went a little too far during the tire rotation. Now, in 2026, I have to worry about whether I will even have a spare in the trunk.

Carmakers Make a Change

Carmakers go all out in trying to sell us on all the bells and whistles of their new models, but they neglect to mention that there is no spare tire in the trunk. They say it is a money thing. As carmakers cut costs of production and increase fuel economy, any extra weight that can be removed is tossed out. The spare tire was deemed ditchable.

What Happens When You Have a Flat?

The carmakers didn’t leave us totally high and dry. According to Consumer Reports, they tossed a can of tire sealant and a DC-powered air compressor into the trunk in lieu of the spare. Gee. Thanks.

Do Any New Cars Come with Spare Tires in 2026?

According to Consumer Reports, only about 9 percent of the cars they test have a full-sized spare. 46% were equipped with a temporary tire and 34% had a sealant kit. Just remember this. Whenever politicians mandate increased fuel economy, carmakers are going to cut whatever they can. 50 to 60 pounds worth of tire, wheel and jack may not make a huge dent, but it is something.