The Disappearing Spare: Why Modern Cars Leave You Stranded

Life is full of things we keep on standby, hoping we’ll never need them, smoke alarms, emergency funds, and for drivers, a spare tire.

But when the unexpected happens, these overlooked essentials become invaluable. If you’ve ever been stranded on a deserted road, waiting for roadside assistance to provide a spare, you know the struggle firsthand.

In November 2023, the UK’s RAC examined the standard equipment lists of over 300 car models from 28 different brands, ranging from compact city cars to large SUVs. Their findings? Fewer than 3% of these vehicles came with a spare tire as part of the standard package.

For automakers, omitting spares cuts costs and improves fuel efficiency. Spare tires add weight, and since they’re often space-saver versions rather than full-sized replacements, they can limit vehicle performance.

Additionally, drivers tend to avoid using them unless absolutely necessary, further reducing demand. Instead, manufacturers are favoring lighter, more compact alternatives like tire repair kits or run-flat technology.

This shift is reminiscent of how muscle cars from the mid-to-late 20th century faded into nostalgia. Regulations like the 1970 Clean Air Act forced automakers to prioritize efficiency and emissions control, leading to the decline of powerful, gas-guzzling legends like the Dodge Charger R/T. Just as muscle cars gave way to smaller, more practical vehicles, the traditional spare tire is now disappearing in favor of modern, lightweight solutions.