No More Spare Tyres for new Cars

Jan 30 2012

Let’s face it: when you sign up for a car loan the cost of the spare tyre adds a not insignificant amount to the cost of the car.  Then, of course, there is also the matter of fuel economy, which would certainly be a little better without the extra weight.

To meet more stringent fuel efficiency standards recently issued by the U.S. government, some car manufacturers will be completely omitting the bulky spare tyre in future, said the Mountain West branch of the AAA on Thursday.

Instead these manufacturers will equip their cars with an inflator kit and emergency sealant to allow motorists to drive to the nearest service station.

Two years ago the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency set new average fuel economy standards for all vehicles built between 2012 and 2016.  For 2012 the average figure stands at 29.7mpg.  This will increase every year until it reaches 34.1 mpg by 2016.

A jack, related tools and a spare tyre can weigh as much as 40 pounds.  According to the AAA that might not seem like a large amount, but every bit helps when it comes to weight saving.  The fact that omitting the spare wheel actually reduces the cost of the vehicle is obviously also an important consideration.

An AAA spokesperson, Tara Hanley, said “Consumers should review their owner’s manual and emergency maintenance supplies they have in the vehicle and be informed about alternatives to a spare to prevent panic or a delay when encountering a flat tire.”
 

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