What to Do If You Don't Have a Spare Tire

Unlike past traditions, many cars today don’t come equipped with spare tires. Since we’re so used to their inclusion, it’s not uncommon to purchase a car unaware of the fact that it’s missing a crucial component. The last thing we want is to find ourselves stranded on the side of the road without a spare. For this reason, you’ll want to ask your salesman whether or not the car you’re prospecting comes with a spare included. If not, you’ll want to make sure that you’re prepared for any potential situation. To help you out, we made a short guide outlining your options.

Have Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance companies such as AAA are affordable, and it’s extremely useful to have access to them when you’re in a sticky situation. We highly recommend contracting a roadside assistance company if your car does not have the tools that will help you get back on the road.

Create an Inflation Kit

Many modern car models come with an inflation kit in lieu of a tire. Though these aren’t always an option—for example, in a situation where a nail is too close to the sidewall—they’re often an effective short-term patching solution. If your car didn’t come with this kit, you may want to consider purchasing your own.

Purchase a Tire

If your car didn’t come with a spare tire, banish that worry by investing in one yourself. If you choose to do this, you’ll want to pay attention to tire’s fit—you can purchase replacement wheels for specific care makes and models. For example, Honda Accord sport rims will ensure those with this vehicle will have the correct tire size.

If you’ve bought your own extra wheel, make sure that it’s properly secured into the back of your vehicle. Since the manufacturer didn’t create the car to hold a tire, they likely didn’t include a designated space for it. If this is the case, you may consider getting creative with bungee cords to secure the tire in the trunk, on the roof, on a tailgate, or another safe spot.

Prevent a Flat

We highly recommend that you educate yourself in the different preventative measures. After all, the best solution to a flat tire is to not have one at all. Make sure you always properly inflate your tires and keep an eye out for road hazards such as potholes. Taking proper care can help prevent this difficulty, yet it’s still advisable to prepare for any situation.