So, why Is My Car Missing A Spare Tire?
Few things are as stressful as a flat tire. Especially as you’re traveling along a remote and desolate highway.
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The asterisk ( * ) shown by some listed models indicates that a particular model's spare tire will be absent depending on various factors. These factors include trim level differences, model year changes, and drivetrain types such as hybrid or electric drive models. If shopping for one of these vehicle models, please inspect carefully to determine if the spare is present or offered.
In recent model years, Acura has determined that for their car models, typical spare tire alternatives are acceptable in an effort to reduce build cost and weight. This also applies to some SUV and crossover models such as the RDX. Generally, Acura models still have adequate space to store a spare tire in the “well” space under the cargo floor trunk area. This makes storing a spare convenient if one can be acquired.
Please note that in some cases, factory-ordered or salvage yard spare tire options may not accommodate large high-performance brake systems on your Acura. Therefore, carefully consider not only the tire diameter and wheel’s lug nut pattern but the brake size as well. Larger and more sophisticated brake systems may be another reason carmakers look at spare tire alternatives instead of spending money and resources to engineer a proper spare tire.
Only recently and depending on trim levels, Alfa Romeo has stopped supplying spare tires in these US market models shown. Previously, and like other European carmakers, Alfa provided a collapsible, deflated spare tire system. The advantage of this collapsible spare was that by having the tire deflated and using its patented retractable design, the spare required a storage space significantly smaller in diameter than a full-size tire. Once inflated, the spare could more closely match the overall size of the factory tires both in width and diameter.
Generally considered to be a great design, carmakers are electing to not use this option as they are more expensive than other factory-supplied spare tires. Furthermore, if the tire is used or becomes too old to use, the replacement cost can be prohibitive. Always consider your storage space and the tire’s age if you’re finding a salvage or 2nd hand option. These collapsible spare tires can reduce the overall diameter of the needed storage space but are typically as wide as your factory tires. The storage space will need to have adequate depth.
The list also applies to “M” Models and M trim levels of models listed.
BMW, more than any other carmaker, is fully committed to using and relying on run-flat tires instead of providing spare tires. In a nutshell, run-flat tires are designed to travel up to 50 miles without air pressure. Ideally, with that 50-range, you will be able to get to a service center for assistance.
Seemingly, run-flat are a great alternative to the space and weight of a spare tire. If so, why are more automakers not adopting run-flats generally?
The advantages of run-flat tires must be weighed against the limitations and common complaints voiced by car owners utilizing them. The complaints found on many car forums include the following-
High cost- Run-flats are advanced designs and as a result, can cost as much as two times that of standard tires when comparing identical sizes.
Repairability- A commonly voiced frustration by owners is the inability to repair a punctured tire. Tire shops will rarely attempt to repair or patch a punctured run-flat tire once it has been driven on without air pressure. So, yes, the tire can get you further down the road but facing a full replacement can be unwelcome news.
Treadwear/ usable tire life- One disappointing issue common with run-flat tires is their rather short tread life. Run-flats will typically have 6000 miles less usable tread life. Anecdotally, users of various car forums report having difficulty getting even 20,000 miles of total tread life. This short tread life in conjunction with higher replacement cost may be reason enough for carmakers choosing other options.
For many years, BMW used the 5X120mm PCD bolt pattern across the bulk of their model lineup. BMW transitioned to a smaller 5X112mm PCD pattern model by model over a 5 year time frame. This change allowed an increase in usbale brake rotor surface area without increasing brake rotor diameter.
This transition occurred in various years as new model generations were introduced. The bolt pattern on your BMW model may be quite different than the same model just one year older or one year newer based on the model generation. Be familiar with your model generation and the actual bolt pattern you have when sourcing a spare tire option.
You may know that Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet car models share platforms to offer similar models under their respective GM nameplates. Although they have somewhat unique styling, no longer providing spare tire in these models is a common General Motors practice. Like other carmakers, the alternatives provided are much cheaper to manufacture and other factors have encouraged GM to eliminate spare tires.
The most commonly used alternative in General Motors models is the tire sealer and 12v inflator.
Also, a styling trend with nearly all vehicles is the increase in the overall diameter of the factory wheels and tires. A decade ago, 16 or 17-inch wheels were considered larger performance-type wheels. Now, 18, 19 or larger wheels are the norm. With this change and even when using low profile tires (those will short sidewalls), the overall or “rolling” diameter has grown larger.
In order to design a spare tire that will work in conjunction with these larger wheel/tire combinations without causing stress on the vehicle’s drivetrain, a spare would need to have grown larger as well. Carmakers recognize this and have chosen to simply not provide one
The storage space under the trunk floor of your GM model is still part of the car’s design. These will typically have a foam insert in this space, however, when measuring without the foam, you will see that this space is often designed for a much smaller diameter spare when compared to your factory tires.
With the exception of the Corvette and the Cadillac XLR (using a 5X120.65mm PCD), most GM models will use either a 5x115mm bolt pattern or a 5X120mm bolt pattern. The pattern used is not model specific as some transitioned during various model years. In fact, GM has used both bolt patterns in the same model in the same model year and is determined by the engine/drivetrain and trim level.
You may know that Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet car models share platforms to offer similar models under their respective GM nameplates. Although they have somewhat unique styling to each brand, no longer providing spare tires in these models is a common General Motors practice. Like other carmakers, the alternatives provided are much cheaper to manufacture. This and other factors have encouraged GM to eliminate spare tires.
The most commonly used alternative in General Motors models is the tire sealer and 12v inflator.
Also, a styling trend with nearly all vehicles is the increase in the overall diameter of the factory wheels and tires. A decade ago, 16 or 17-inch wheels were considered larger performance-type wheels. Now, 18, 19 or larger wheels are the norm. With this change and even when using low profile tires (those will short sidewalls), the overall or “rolling” diameter has grown larger.
In order to design a spare tire that will work in conjunction with these larger wheel/tire combinations without causing stress on the vehicle’s drivetrain, a spare would need to have grown larger as well. Carmakers recognize this and have chosen to simply not provide one
The storage space under the trunk floor of your GM model is still part of the car’s design. These will typically have a foam insert in this space, however, when measuring without the foam, you will see that this space is often designed for a much smaller diameter spare when compared to your factory tires.
With the exception of the Corvette and the Cadillac XLR (using a 5X120.65mm PCD), most GM models will use either a 5x115mm bolt pattern or a 5X120mm bolt pattern. The pattern used is not model specific as some transitioned during various model years. In fact, GM has used both bolt patterns in the same model in the same model year and is determined by the engine/drivetrain and trim level.
While the same information posted under Buick and Cadillac also applies to Chevrolet, there are a number of specific details important to Chevrolet owners.
The Chevy Corvette continued to use a lug bolt pattern originally chosen for the very first Corvette model in 1953. The imperial pattern is size is 5X4.75inches (or translated as 5X120.65mm for metric).
This pattern was very common among GM cars for decades and was used for all Vette generations up until the newest C8 mid-engine models. The new C8 transitioned to the 5X120mm pattern.
Most GM cars and small SUVs will use either a 5X115mm pattern or a 5X120mm pattern.
Please be aware that on the 5th generation Camaro from 2010-2015, Chevrolet offered high-performance Brembo brakes on SS trim levels and other high-performance trims. In testing, these brakes were found to be somewhat noisy, and to mitigate this issue, the front brake pads were equipped with small disc-shaped weights that protruded through the top of the caliper. This information is important as the brakes affect the spare tire wheel size used on the car. In other words, a small diameter spare wheel from another model will not fit over these larger brake components. This also applies to the Chevy SS (the actual car model known as the SS built from 2013-2017).
This is yet another example where carmakers have simply chosen to eliminate the spare tire from certain models rather than design and engineer spare tires that can accommodate increased dimensions.
Some, but not all Dodge/Chrysler models have transitioned to metric-based bolt patterns primarily to the 5X115mm pattern. This pattern is used on the Chrysler 300 models, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Magnum.
The Caravan/Town and Country platforms (and now Pacifica Vans) use a larger 5X127mm pattern that is actually an older imperial 5X5.5 inch pattern.
On models using the 5X115mm pattern, high-performance trim levels in the Charger and Challenger will have factory installed Brembo Brakes. Some trim levels have extremely large six-piston front brake calipers and should be considered when looking for spare tire options. Like other carmakers both European and US-based, Chrysler has chosen to not include a spare tire instead of designing a spare tire that will accommodate these larger brakes.
The Dodge Charger, Challenger, Magnum, and Chrysler 300 models have been manufactured still keeping the spare tire “well” space under the trunk floor. Generally, if the foam insert is removed, the space can still be used to store a spare tire up to 27” in diameter.
The Dodge Viper uses a 6X4.5 inch pattern
Some, but not all Dodge/Chrysler models have transitioned to metric-based bolt patterns primarily to the 5X115mm pattern. This pattern is used on the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Magnum which are built using related platforms from 2005 to the present.
The Caravan/Town and Country platforms (and now Pacifica Vans) use a larger 5X127mm pattern that is actually an older imperial 5X5.5 inch pattern.
On models using the 5X115mm pattern, high-performance trim levels in the Charger and Challenger will have factory-installed Brembo Brakes. Some trim levels have extremely large six-piston front brake calipers and should be considered when looking for spare tire options. Like other carmakers both European and US-based, Chrysler has chosen to not include a spare tire instead of designing a spare tire that will accommodate these larger brakes.
The Dodge Charger, Challenger, Magnum, and Chrysler 300 models have been manufactured still keeping the spare tire “well” space under the trunk floor. Generally, if the foam insert is removed, the space can still be used to store a spare tire up to 27” in diameter.
The above-listed Fiat 500 model variants in the US domestic market were not equipped with spare tires from the factory. The bolt pattern is a rare 4X98mm bolt pattern. It is not found on other vehicle makes with the exception of a few obscure vehicles.
This becomes one barrier to finding a spare tire substitute for your Fiat 500. Generally, the factory tire diameter is just over 22″ and just over 6 inches wide. If interior space can accommodate a spare, finding a 5th factory wheel and tire combination is a good option for those looking for the peace of mind having a spare provides.
As you know, Ford is a large global automaker with a history of joint ventures, partnerships, and, ownership stakes with many other brands. Larger brands sharing design efforts are less likely to standardize wheel lug patterns throughout their lineup.
Ford’s past ownership stake in Volvo could explain Ford’s adoption of the metric 5X108mm bolt pattern found in many current models. This pattern has been common with Volvo long before Ford’s involvement with the company. Besides the mustang, the 5X108mm pattern is found on the above-listed models including the Mustang Mach-E Battery Electric Vehicle. Besides the branding and some styling elements, the Mach-E shares very little mechanically with the Mustang.
The Ford Mustang still uses the same 5X4.5-inch (or 5X114.3mm in metric) pattern used on many 5 lug pattern models going back for decades. Interestingly, this pattern is extremely common even in many current, non-Ford models. Kia/Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Tesla, to name a few. The Mustang, in all trim levels, began leaving out a factory-supplied spare tire in 2005, although even current models are built with the storage “well” space under the trunk floor.
Generally, Honda’s transition to using spare tire alternatives applies to Hybrid and plugin Hybrid models due to battery placement and weight reduction. This includes the Accord Hybrid, the Insight, and the Clarity.
Nonhybrid models will be the recent generation CRV, the Civic SI, and Civic Type R.
Honda 5 lug bolt patterns are most commonly the 5X114.3mm pattern except for the Civic Type-R having the 5X120mm pattern.
Honda owners report spare tire components can be sourced through authorized Honda parts retailers depending heavily on available inventories. Choosing a proper tire size, as with all spare tires, is important. Excessive size differences between a spare and the factory tires can be problematic.
Kia and Hyundai, the two main South Korean brands for the US Domestic market, are rapidly moving away from supplying spare tires. This is most evident in cars and small and medium-sized SUVs.
Both brands use the 5X114.3mm bolt pattern across most of their model lineup.
To eliminate a spare tire can represent significant cost savings for an automaker. Furthermore, Kia and Hyundai are taking an aggressive approach in the Hybrid and EV market. Weight reduction is a big part of EV engineering and as a result, factory-supplied spare tires are easily eliminated for that reason alone.
Infiniti (part of Nissan) has reduced their model lineup in recent years to take advantage of popular core models. Finding a new Infiniti with an installed, factory spare tire in the US market is a thing of the past for cars and small and mid-sized SUVs.
There are some points to consider unique to Infiniti especially the models listed above.
The Q50 and Q60 both are offered with optional large sport brakes. For these cars, wheel clearance of a spare tire is critical. The larger Qx50 also has large brake components and the same wheel clearance-needs apply.
The QX30, Infiniti’s smaller SUV, is basically a rebadged Mercedes Benz GLA250. Sharing the Mercedes platform and running gear, the QX30 uses a 5X112mm bolt pattern. Worth noting- The QX30 will also use lug bolts instead of lug nuts. All other Infiniti models will use nuts.
The notion that a model offered by Jeep is not equipped with a spare tire seems counter to the brand’s reputation. The brand was built on rugged capability. Leaving you “spareless” is more in line with the popularity of crossover SUVs designed for everyday driving and convenience. Nonetheless, Jeep models specifically made with real offroad capability such as the Wrangler, still have a spare tire and like most large SUVs and Trucks, will utilize an actual full-size spare. The three models listed above all share the same 5X110mm bolt pattern.
Kia and Hyundai, the two main South Korean brands for the US Domestic market, are rapidly moving away from supplying spare tires. This is most evident in cars and small and medium-sized SUVs.
Both brands use the 5X114.3mm bolt pattern across most of their model lineup.
To eliminate a spare tire can represent significant cost savings for an automaker. Furthermore, Kia and Hyundai are taking an aggressive approach in the Hybrid and EV market. Weight reduction is a big part of EV engineering and as a result, factory-supplied spare tires are easily eliminated for that reason alone.
Toyota/Lexus often provide spare tires in models where a competitor’s comparable model may not. However, with such a large model lineup, no surprise that Toyota has eliminated the spare tire in certain models when it best suits design goals of space utilization and weight reduction.
High-performance models like the RC-F and GS-F certainly benefit from weight reduction in pursuit of good 0-60 times.
For the updated 2022+ NX model crossover SUVs, Lexus has opted for use of run-flat tires in this model line. This change freed up more usable cargo space but if you have not owned a vehicle with run-flats, there are reasons (explained here) they are not universally adopted.
Generally, Mazda has stayed committed to including spare tires throughout their model lineup. The MX-5 Miata, being the exception, is a rather small vehicle overall. A suitable spare tire is likely not something easily stored in the car. As the running gear becomes more sophisticated, vehicles become less tolerant of spare tires with significantly small overall diameters. With the need for a properly sized spare, it makes sense for the Miata to simply go without.
Mercedes Benz has not fully adopted run-flat tires to the same extent as BMW. In fact, some Mercedes models not equipped with a spare tire will offer an inflator / Sealant kit as a spare alternative. There is a trend at Mercedes toward not providing a spare tire generally.
Like many other carmakers, Mercedes will take advantage of the buyers becoming more familiar with and accepting of spare alternatives. ANy chance to reduce cost and reduce weight is taken.
Mercedes Benz has been consistent with their bolt pattern choice now for many decades using a 5X112mm PCD.
German brands have used the rather genius spare tire design which completely retracts when deflated. Essentially the tire will deflate to a significantly smaller overall diameter for easy storage. The design has normal tire width so a storage space in the vehicle must have enough depth which may negate the advantage of a smaller diameter.
These spare tires must be inflated on-site before use but certainly is better and more convenient than no spare at all. Wider adoption of this spare tire design did not occur most likely as carmakers see inflator/sealant kits and run-flat tires as acceptable options.
The BMW ownership of Mini re-invented the brand with the introduction of the first new models in 2001. Not surprisingly and where needed, BMW’s same trend towards using run-flat tires is part of Mini’s plan. Most likely, higher performance models like the Cooper S and larger models like the Countrymen will also have wheel and tire combinations with taller overall diameters. This makes storage space for a spare challenging for the designers trying to not sacrifice usable interior space. The next obvious choice for the carmaker is run-flats or one of the other common alternatives. Early Mini models had rather short factory wheel and tire combinations so a suitable spare can be likewise as small and easier to store.
Bolt patterns on Minis have changed throughout the model year lineup. Early models used a common 4X100mm PCD pattern found on small European cars like early model BMWs, Volkswagens, and others. Larger models adopted the same 5X120mm pattern common with BMW. In later years Mini models transitioned to the same 5X112mm PCD pattern now used for all newer BMW models.
Mitsubishi generally will have spare tires throughout their model lineup. The Outlander SUV is one big exception and will rely on typical inflator/sealer kits like many other vehicles.
This model uses the very common 5X114.3mm PCD Bolt pattern.
In both cases, the models above represent a carmaker’s need to eliminate the weight associated with spare tires. The GT-R sheds weight for the sake of performance while the Leaf, being an EV, needs to gain the range advantage.
The advantage of weight reduction in both cases can be argued on paper but there is still a debate over the advantage is worth sacrificing the convenience of a spare.
Both vehicles, while sharing very little other than a name badge, actually have the same 5X114.3mm PCD lug pattern.
The brand is built on a performance heritage where little thought is given to practicality. Spare tires, being practical, do not fit both in strategy and literally in available space.
If you are familiar with the Porsche models above, under the skin and mechanically, each square inch is carefully utilized. From this design standpoint, Porsche has chosen run-flat tires or reliance on roadside assistance in the case of tire failures. The Panamera is the only model of those listed that has adequate cargo space if you choose to have a spare on hand. Not so with the 911, Taycan, Cayman, and all their related variants.
Smart Models are no longer offered in the US Domestic Market. Spare tires were absent during their US run and most likely for the same reasons spares are absent in other cars. These include Space, weight, and cost. The Smart vehicles offered in the US used an unusual 3×112.5 bolt pattern. That’s right, only 3 lugs.
If the car has any adequate cargo space for a spare (not likely), and you like the peace of mind of having one hand, obtaining a 5th matching factory wheel and tire is a good choice.
Few automakers have made such a brand impact on consumers as Tesla, at least not since Henry Ford brought practical, affordable vehicles to the masses over one hundred years ago.
While the forthcoming Cybertruck really should have a spare tire like other trucks with hauling and offroad capabilities, there is a good chance Tesla will go the same route as the models listed above- No spare.
Tesla has created their own branded roadside assistance program to help owners with breakdowns. Bravo to Tesla for this but know that roadside assistance is the expected solution and the go-to option for failed tires. Owners have found the service is generally decent however, the waiting and sometimes the required tow truck for even minor issues like flat tires can be frustrating.
Tesla uses various lug bolt patterns and often have staggered tire and wheel sizes depending on the model. Fortunately, if an aftermarket spare is chosen, the cars have adequate cargo space to keep on on hand.
Like fellow Japanese brands Mazda and Nissan, Toyota has generally been committed to spare tire availability throughout their model lineup. Exceptions have been with some Prius models and very specific Sienna Models. The Prius, like other hybrids benefit by weight reduction as well as needing space for onboard drive batteries. Engineers make design decisions and spare tires often fall victim.
For the Sienna models from 2011 to 2020, the spare tire was absent in all-wheel-drive models. The AWD system and transfer case occupied the space under the van’s floor once used to store a spare tire.
For the 2021 and newer Sienna, the spare is a factory option that must be selected by the selling dealer. If the Sienna is ordered for dealer inventory with no spare, the van is actually built slightly different leaving no dedicated storage space for a spare. Should a buyer decide they want it later, the spare must be stored in the main cargo area. Not as ideal but there is adequate room.
Volkswagen has generally been a company committed to having spare tires in most models. Like other European companies, they have used the deflated, retractable spare tire system for larger models and SUVs. When deflated, the spare will occupy a much smaller diameter space although they are quite wide. The spare works well even though it has to be inflated on site before use, they can perform like a regular tire.
The Golf R is, no doubt, a serious hot-hatch and a heavy spare tire large enough to clear big brakes makes little sense. At least from a design perspective that is.
The full EV Volkswagen ID.4 has no spare which is in line with other EV design goals of weight reduction for on-paper range advantages. Interestingly, VWs sibling brand Audi is one of the few EV builders providing spare tires in their E-Tron line. This could change but for now, kudos to Audi.
Volvo is aggressively pursuing the Hybrid and EV market. That effort translates toward a likely trend of eliminating spare tires. Volvo has positioned the company as having a high safety standard above all other design pursuits. One could argue that being stopped on a roadside with a failed tire and not having a spare tire is counter to the brand’s reputation. Nonetheless, like with other carmakers, a spare tire suitable for sophisticated EVs would require more than a simple steel “donut” type setup. A much-improved version would need to be designed, so weight reduction, cost reduction, and space use win out. Likely, the models listed above will soon be joined with other Volvo models.
Volvo is now owned by Geely, the Chinese automaker. Polestar is a new player to the EV game and operates under the same Geely corporate umbrella. Don’t assume your full electric Volvo is merely a rebadged Polestar or vice-versa. Interestingly, the two brands may share much but both are clear about their separate operations and design goals.
Volvo primarily uses a 5X108mm PCD bolt pattern on their wheels. During Ford’s ownership of Volvo, this same bolt pattern was utilized by Ford indicating shared engineering efforts. This pattern is still used on many Ford models now including the Mach-E EV.