What If I Don't Have a Spare Tire?

More and more new cars come without a spare tire — often just a sealant kit or nothing at all. So what do you do when you get a flat and have no spare? Here are your options.

Why many cars no longer have spares

To save weight and space and improve fuel economy, many automakers now ship cars with a tire inflator kit or run-flat tires instead of a traditional spare. That's fine until you get a flat that sealant can't fix — then you're stuck without a backup.

Your options with no spare

You have a few choices: use the inflator/sealant kit if the puncture is small (a temporary fix only), call a tow truck to a shop (slow and costs for the tow plus the tire), or call a mobile tire service that brings a tire to you and installs it on the spot.

Why mobile tire service is the best option

With no spare, a mobile tire service is usually the fastest and most affordable path. Houston Mobile Tire carries replacement tires in all sizes, comes to your location, and installs the right tire on-site — no tow needed, and you're back on the road quickly.

What to keep in your car

Even without a spare, keep a few basics: your phone charger, a flashlight, the number for a 24/7 mobile tire service saved in your contacts, and your wheel lock key (if your car has wheel locks) in the glovebox.

Frequently asked questions