Getting a flat on the highway may not be as easy to fix in the future.
"A lot of manufacturers are trying to save money and weight for better fuel mileage and space because they're making cars smaller than they used to," said Steve Miller, AAA Car Care Plus.
Miller said a spare tire is one thing manufacturers can get rid of because consumers rarely notice. It can weigh around 40 pounds, reported ONN's Denise Alex.
Standards set be the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation for 2012 vehicle models is 29.7 miles per gallon. In 2016, vehicles are being required to get 34.1 miles per gallon.
But what happens if your tire blows and you don't have a spare?
"Some of the makers are making it an option, and if they don't have a spare tire, some of them put a tire inflator kit which will be a small air compressor and a can of fix a flat. But then again, if you have a blow out on the side of the road, it doesn't do you any good," said Miller.
AAA officials said flat tires are a common occurrence on Ohio's roadways. Last year, the organization responded to more than 14,000 calls in the 38 county central Ohio territory.
Other tips from AAA include:
- Consult the owner’s manual. If a vehicle has a spare, be sure it’s properly inflated and stowed.
- For vehicles without a spare, ensure the vehicle contains an alternate solution such as run-flat tires that can run short distances without air or an emergency sealant and inflator kit.
- Replace sealant every five years or after use, as it tends to become less effective with age.
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