Window-sticker fuel economy matters, and automakers have been reducing weight by deep-sixing the heavy full-sized spare tire—a fixture since the first cars hit the road and then hit a pothole. Fewer
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Window-sticker fuel economy matters, and automakers have been reducing weight by deep-sixing the heavy full-sized spare tire—a fixture since the first cars hit the road and then hit a pothole. Fewer than one in 10 cars has a full-size spare anymore. Instead, 63% of 2017 cars had a temporary (space-saver, or donut) spare, 17% had sealant kits, and 10% used run-flat tires, according to a Consumer Reports survey.
Carrying a tire sealant is not a bad idea. There are three distinct types: cans that combine sealant and air pressure for partial inflation, liquid stand-alone sealants and deluxe kits that include an air compressor—capable of fully inflating the tire. The compressors, available separately, can also be used to inflate bicycle tires, pool toys and sports balls. If you can afford the complete kits, it’s probably the best bet. The sealants mostly claim they won’t harm your newer car’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Even if your car does have some kind of spare, it’s possible it’s deflated over time. And if you live in an area with a lot of rough roads, you might think of using tire sealants as a preventative measure—they can be another layer of protection against small punctures. Here are the best options in three categories.
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