Why are so many cars sold without a spare tyre? 

In the past couple of years, it's become more common for new cars to be sold without a spare tyre, and understandably, this has left many drivers feeling confused and a bit frustrated when they end up with a flat tyre.

There are multiple reasons manufacturers are making this change: enhancing fuel efficiency, cutting costs, advancements in tyre technology, and maximising space.

1. Advancements in tyre technology

Tyre technology has made impressive strides over the years, and many modern vehicles now come with ‘run-flat’ tyres. These handy ‘run-flat’ tyres are designed to let you drive for a limited distance after a puncture - usually about 50 miles at a reduced speed.

This means you can safely get to a service station without the hassle of changing a tyre on the roadside. Plus, the quality and durability of tyres have greatly improved, which has helped to reduce the number of flats and blowouts.

2. Weight reduction for fuel efficiency

One of the main reasons newer cars don’t have spare tyres is to boost fuel and electric efficiency. Even small reductions in the weight of a vehicle can enhance a vehicle's mile per gallon (mpg) or mile per KWH. A standard spare tyre and its tools can add around 12 - 22 kg to a car's overall weight and by leaving this out, manufacturers can make modest but meaningful improvements in fuel efficiency.

3. Cost savings

Another important factor is the cost of installing a spare tyre into every vehicle. Not including a spare tyre in the vehicle can reduce the manufacturing cost. Although the price of a single spare tyre may not appear large, when spread across hundreds of thousands of vehicles, the savings add up.

4. Space-saving designs

Space in modern vehicles can be tight, especially in smaller cars. By removing the spare tyre, you can create extra storage room, which is a great benefit for drivers who value having plenty of luggage capacity and interior space over keeping a spare tyre.

5. Tyre repair kits

Many manufacturers opt for tyre repair kits with sealants and compressors instead of traditional spare tyres. These handy kits are designed to temporarily fix minor punctures, enabling drivers to keep going until they can get their tyres safely repaired or replaced.

Plus, the kits are lighter and more compact than spare tyres, which helps reduce the overall weight of the vehicle and frees up valuable boot space.

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Although not having a spare tyre might seem inconvenient at first, these changes highlight some exciting trends in the automotive industry centred around efficiency and innovation.

How much would it inconvenience you if you got a puncture and had to replace your tyre? What about damage to your alloys? Claim up to 5 tyres and 10 alloy wheel repairs when you are covered by Tyre & Alloy Insurance.

Find out more about Tyre & Alloy Insurance here.