Do New Cars Still Come With a Spare Wheel?

Do New Cars Still Come with a Spare Wheel?

A spare wheel used to be standard equipment. Today, it’s not quite that simple.

Some cars still carry a full-size spare, others have a space-saver or repair kit, and some rely on run-flat tyres.

Here’s a look at what different cars come with, what's changed and what it means when you’re buying used.

How Do Different Cars Compare?

Here's how some current Australian models compare.

^{Note: This comparison is based on current Australian-market specifications and manufacturer information available at the time of writing. Equipment can change between model years, so always check the specifications and included equipment of the specific vehicle you're considering.}

What Are the Different Options?

Cars generally use one of four solutions when it comes to dealing with a flat tyre:

• Full-size spare: A conventional wheel and tyre that matches the car's regular setup
• Space-saver: A smaller, narrower temporary spare designed to get you to a repairer
• Tyre repair kit: A compressor and sealant designed to repair certain types of punctures
• Run-flat tyres: Specially designed tyres that can support limited driving after losing air

Why Are Spare Wheels Disappearing?

Reducing weight

• A full-size wheel, tyre, jack and tools can add significant weight
• Removing that weight can help improve fuel efficiency
• Lower weight can also help maximise EV driving range

  Freeing up space

• Removing the spare can create extra room under the boot floor
• That space can be used for luggage, storage or other vehicle components

  Changing vehicle design

• Modern cars have more technology and components to package
• EV and hybrid batteries can occupy valuable underbody space
• Some vehicle designs simply leave less room for a traditional spare

  Alternative tyre solutions

• Tyre repair kits are smaller and lighter
• Run-flat tyres can allow limited driving after a puncture
• Some vehicles still use a space-saver or full-size spare

  Lower production costs

• Removing the wheel, tyre, jack and associated equipment reduces manufacturing costs

What About EVs and PHEVs?

Electrification has made spare-wheel packaging more complicated, but it hasn't made spare wheels disappear altogether.

A PHEV Example

The GWM Cannon Alpha is a good example of how powertrain can affect spare-wheel placement:

• Diesel: Full-size spare stored underneath the vehicle
• PHEV: Full-size spare stored in the tub

Going electric or PHEV doesn't automatically mean losing the spare. The vehicle's design and packaging can determine where the spare goes and what type is provided.

Does It Matter When Buying Used?

It depends on how you use your car. A repair kit may be perfectly practical for everyday city driving, but a spare could be more useful if you regularly:

• Travel long distances
• Drive through regional or remote areas
• Go camping, 4WDing, fishing or boating
• Tow a trailer or caravan
• Drive on gravel or less predictable roads

A repair kit also won't fix every type of puncture, so knowing what your car carries is particularly useful before heading away.

What Should You Check When Buying Used?

Don't assume every car has a spare hidden under the boot floor. Check exactly what comes with the vehicle.

• Full-size spare: Is there a conventional spare wheel?
• Space-saver: Is there a smaller temporary spare?
• Repair kit: Does the vehicle come with a compressor and sealant?
• Run-flat tyres: Does the vehicle use run-flat technology instead of a spare?
• Jack and wheel brace: If there's a spare, are the necessary tools included?
• Condition: If there's a spare, check the tyre's condition and age.

The Takeaway

Spare wheels aren't gone, but they're no longer a given.

Today's cars can come with a full-size spare, space-saver, repair kit or run-flat tyres, and the difference isn't always obvious until you need one.

When buying used, check what's included and consider whether it suits the way you actually drive.