You’re driving down the road when suddenly, you feel that one of your tires has gone flat. While at first panicked, you breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that your car came with a spare tire. Unfortunately for some car buyers, this situation might play out a little differently.

Recent reports have announced that many, if not all, car companies are choosing to forego the spare tire in place of an inflator kit. Out with the old and with the new, all in an effort to increase fuel efficiency and the mileage your car is getting out of each tank of gas. It certainly sounds effective.

Furthermore, the ability to change a tire is quickly becoming a lost art. Even for those who do know how to replace a flat, it’s often much easier to simply phone AAA or another roadside assistance company. So isn’t this proving that we’re only becoming more innovative?

Drawbacks to Inflator Kits

Unfortunately, it’s not quite as black and white as it seems. Inflator kits sound like the futuristic and simplified way to fix a flat tire, but this short-term fix won’t work for every tire problem the same way a spare might. Tires that experience significant damage beyond a simple puncture will require a lot more than an inflator kit to get them ready for the road again.

Many car dealers do provide spare tire kits, but these run upwards of $300. It’s a pricey solution for what was once already included in almost all vehicles.

Whether you’re a first time buyer or just in the market for a new car, this information will serve you well as you hunt for the perfect purchase. Check for a spare tire before you drive it off the lot and don’t assume that your sales associate will tell you differently.

Consumer Reports tested numerous cars to find out which ones no longer include a spare tire.

Some of the major models without spares include:

• Ford Focus
• Land Rover Range Rover Sport
• Buick LaCrosse
• Toyota Prius
• Kia Soul
• Nissan Leaf
• Cadillac SRX
• Audi TT
• Honda Accord
• Dodge Dart
• Fiat 500
• Volvo S60

Contact our California lemon law attorney today to learn more!