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most new cars dont, its wild
Enshittification isn't exclusive to software it seems
Do they come with runflats? I dunno what's common anymore.
My 2013 Volvo doesn't have a spare, but it makes use of runflats instead, and that was considered a luxury back then.
Lots of new cars just give you a bottle of fix-a-flat and a "fuck you"
There a number of arguments as to why this is the case and the article touches on these:
- One could make an argument that most drivers don't use their spare (or don't know how) and would call for roadside service anyway.
- Another argument is that the extra weight of the spare has to be hauled around for months or years before it gets used, if ever, and fuel is used for that extra weight costing the owner and increasing carbon emissions.
- More pragmatically the most likely answer is the auto makers found out they could simply stop giving out spare tires and it doesn't cost them any customers, and increases the auto maker's profits. Some will even sell you a spare tire at an extra fee meaning even more revenue.
My guess is of all these reasons, the third answer, cash grab is the real answer. The author gives us one sentence, but agrees with me.
I dont think its that unreasonable. A flat tire happens so rarely, and for most people, they can just call a tow truck. For most, I dont think its worth carting a tire and wheel around for potentially zero use over the life of the car.
Some people definitely need spares, but realistically, most dont.
My minivan has a donut spare that is stored under the car (inside a cover). Super easy to get to, and never in the way. The tire and winch mechanism together adds maybe 30lbs of extra weight.
I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. I couldn't imagine the embarrassment of having to call a fucking tow truck because of a flat tire.
Ours didn't. It had some bullshit to spray into the tyre to do a repair. That failed, and made it unrepairable to boot.
So now we have a spare. Have a spare. It can a slimline one, it just needs to get you to a garage.