The spare tire, even the so-called donut" appears headed for extinction, according to a new report from AAA. "To meet new government fuel efficiency standards some vehicle manufactures are omitting heavy spare tires and equipping new vehicles with an emergency sealant and inflator kit or tires that if damaged can run reasonable distances without air," AAA noted in a new report, which said new fuel economy standards due for implementation between 2012 and 2016 are driving the change. n 2010, the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency established new corporate average. "Achieving these standards will require many changes to the vehicles we drive.  One area of focus is to reduce the weight of vehicles without compromising occupant safety.  A spare tire, related tools and a jack can weigh more than 40 pounds. That may seem like a small amount but every little bit helps and unlike other weight saving changes, it doesn't add cost to the vehicle," the report noted.
"Unfortunately many vehicle owners may be unaware that their vehicle has no spare tire until they experience a flat tire," says John Nielsen, AAA National Director of Auto Buying, and Consumer Information. "Consumers should review their owner's manual and emergency maintenance supplies they have in the vehicle and be informed about alternatives to a spare to prevent panic or a delay when encountering a flat tire." By Joseph Szczesny