Getting a flat tire is a frustrating experience for any driver. But what if you’re driving a Tesla? A common question among prospective and current Tesla owners is: Do Teslas come with spare tires?
This article will give you the answer of that question, plus the reasons behind this decision, explore the solutions Tesla offers, and outline what you should do if you encounter a flat tire while driving a Tesla.
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Do Teslas Have Spare Tires?
The answer is No. Teslas (including popular models like Model 3, Model S, and Model Y) do not come with spare tires. Instead, they equip their vehicles with tire repair kits that include a sealant and an air compressor to temporarily fix punctures.
Tesla opted to eliminate the spare tire to save weight and increase cargo space.
Tesla also emphasizes its roadside assistance program and mobile tire repair service as alternatives to a spare. Their rationale is that most punctures can be repaired with the provided kit or handled by roadside assistance, making a spare tire unnecessary weight and space consumption for most drivers.
However, this approach has its drawbacks. The tire repair kit isn’t a permanent solution and won’t work for all types of tire damage. If you experience a major tire blowout or sidewall damage, you’ll still need a tow truck. While Tesla’s roadside assistance is helpful, it might not be readily available in all areas or situations.
Some Tesla owners choose to purchase a spare tire and jack separately for added peace of mind, especially if they frequently drive in remote areas with limited access to roadside assistance.
Why Does a Tesla Not Have a Spare Tire?
According to a report by AAA, nearly one-third of new cars in 2017, including Teslas, weren’t equipped with spare tires.
While some more advanced vehicles utilize run-flat tires, the question remains: Why has Tesla chosen to omit spare tires in many of its models? Several factors contribute to this decision.
Space and weight considerations
Electric cars, like Teslas, often prioritize efficiency and maximizing range. A key benefit of using a tire repair kit instead of a spare tire is weight reduction.
A spare tire, along with its necessary tools, can add significant weight. Reducing the overall weight of the vehicle directly contributes to improved fuel economy (or range, in the case of an electric car).
Furthermore, a spare tire requires dedicated space within the vehicle. By removing it, Tesla can optimize the design and use that space for other purposes, like increasing cargo capacity or accommodating the battery pack.
Saving fuel consumption
As mentioned previously, reducing a car’s weight improves its fuel efficiency. A spare tire itself can weigh around 23 kilograms (50 pounds), and this doesn’t include the added weight of the jack and lug wrench.
Removing the spare tire is akin to removing the equivalent weight of a small passenger, which can lead to noticeable fuel savings.
Tire Rack, a company specializing in tire testing and sales, has found that weight reduction can improve fuel consumption by up to 1%. This is an attractive prospect for automakers, as fuel economy ratings play a crucial role in marketing and brand perception.
Reduce manufacturing costs
The price of a car is a significant factor for new car buyers. Eliminating the spare tire, along with its accompanying tools and equipment, can lead to reduced production costs for automakers.
If the overall manufacturing cost is lower, this can potentially translate to a more affordable price for the consumer. While some car brands prioritize performance over cost, reducing expenses is generally a beneficial outcome of design modifications.
What to Do If You Get a Flat Tire in a Tesla?
If you experience a flat tire while driving your Tesla, follow these steps:
Step 1: Pull Over Safely
As soon as you notice a flat tire, activate your hazard lights and carefully pull over to a safe location, away from traffic.
Step 2: Assess the Damage
If it’s safe to do so, visually inspect the tire to determine the extent of the damage.
Step 3: Choose Your Course of Action
Tesla Tire Repair Kit: If you have the kit and the puncture is small and within the tread area, follow the kit’s instructions to temporarily seal and inflate the tire.
Tesla Roadside Assistance: If you don’t have a repair kit, the damage is severe, or you’re uncomfortable using the kit, contact Tesla Roadside Assistance through the app or by phone.
Aftermarket Spare Tire Kit: If you have a compatible aftermarket spare tire kit, follow the instructions to install the spare tire. For Cybertrucks, owners can purchase spare tire directly from Tesla Shop.
Carefully follow the instructions for whichever solution you choose.
Regardless of the temporary fix you use, it’s crucial to have the damaged tire professionally inspected and repaired or replaced by a qualified tire technician as soon as possible.
In conclusion, should you get a flat tire while driving your Tesla, you have a couple of options. You can contact Tesla Roadside Assistance, which is available 24/7 and provided at no cost during your warranty period, or you can reach out to a third-party roadside assistance provider. Another option is to schedule a tire replacement directly with Tesla through their app.
To be prepared for such situations, consider purchasing an aftermarket spare tire. Keeping an air pump and tire sealant in your vehicle is also a good idea. These items can allow you to either temporarily fix a minor puncture or leak, or, if you have a spare, change the tire yourself, enabling you to drive to a service center or tire shop for a permanent repair.
