If you’re driving, there’s one thing you never want to happen: a flat tire. While it’s not something anyone looks forward to, the only thing you can do is change the tire or call for roadside assistance. If, however, you happen to be driving a car that doesn’t come equipped with a spare, you’re stuck either way. Vehicles used to come with a full-sized spare tire, but about 30 years ago auto manufacturers moved to a much lighter, smaller tire, sometimes called a “donut spare.” Now, depending on the car you have, it may not have a spare tire at all. According to Consumer Reports, about 60% of new cars don’t come with a spare tire. To lower production costs and reduce weight for fuel economy, manufacturers are just leaving the spare tire out. The smart thing to do is to get a portable air compressor to keep in your car. They generally run anywhere from $60 up to $229, depending on the model and features. If you don’t want to shell out money for a compressor, you can always carry a can of tire sealant, which patches a damaged tire temporarily, until you can get it to a shop where it can be repaired or replaced. Some cars, mostly luxury models, come with run-flat tires that allow you to continue driving for a set distance, typically 50 miles, at modest speeds to get you home or to a service center.
