When buying a car, novice car owners usually pay attention to factors such as the appearance, appearance and configuration of the vehicle, which are often considered to be the essential attributes of the vehicle. However, there is a part of the auto parts that are often overlooked, that is, spare tires and tripods. These accessories don't seem to be necessary in most cases, and they only really come into play when something goes wrong with the vehicle.
In recent years, more and more automakers have chosen to eliminate spare tires on new cars, a move that has sparked widespread discussion among car owners. Everyone has speculated whether the automaker's move is to reduce the vehicle configuration (downsizing), or for energy conservation and environmental protection considerations
Why don't automakers provide spare tires anymore?
There are three main reasons behind the elimination of spare tires by automakers:
Space occupancy: Nowadays, car trunk space is limited, and the storage of spare tires takes up a lot of space. Eliminating the spare tire frees up more space and allows for a larger trunk capacity, making it an attractive selling point for buyers.
Reduce the weight of the body: The weight of the spare tire has a certain impact on the total weight of the vehicle. Eliminating the spare tire can reduce the weight of the body and improve fuel efficiency, which is conducive to environmental protection and energy saving.
Low utilization rate and difficult replacement: In fact, the utilization rate of spare tires is relatively low, and the operation of replacing spare tires is more cumbersome. Therefore, automakers believe that the spare tire is a burden, and the elimination of the spare tire can simplify the structure of the whole vehicle and reduce the burden on the vehicle.
For all three reasons, automakers are eliminating spare tires to meet consumer demands for space, weight and convenience.
Alternatives: sealant and run-flat tires
In order to solve the problem of flat tires, some car manufacturers in China have begun to use sealant as an alternative to spare tires. The use of sealant is simple, just connect the liquid to the wheel valve core, and push the sealant inside the tire through high-pressure gas to form a protective film to repair the leak. This scheme not only meets the convenient needs of modern life, but also has been recognized by the market to a certain extent.
On the other hand, as an emerging alternative to spare tires, run-flat tires are known as "run-flat tires". Even in the case of a flat tire, the run-flat tire can still stably support the vehicle, providing a higher level of safety for the owner. These tires reduce the risk of accidents caused by tire failure while maintaining the vehicle's driving performance, further improving driving safety. In the automotive market of the future, sealant and run-flat tires are expected to become mainstream solutions for tire repair.
Analysis of the reasons why car manufacturers cancel spare tires
First of all, technical and design factors are important reasons for automakers to eliminate spare tires. The impact of cost considerations, car owners' Xi and driving environment also plays a certain role in promoting. With the continuous improvement of China's infrastructure, the situation of vehicle puncture due to foreign objects is relatively reduced, which makes the practicability of spare tires relatively low.
Although the elimination of spare tires has gradually become a trend, car manufacturers will not simply cancel, but will comprehensively consider, design, and judge to find the most suitable solution. For example, alternatives such as run-flat tires and sealants, which are solutions that have emerged for the situation of the moment, both to solve the problem of flat tires and to reduce the weight of the vehicle.
However, sealants and run-flat tires have their own advantages and disadvantages as alternatives to spare tires. Car owners need to weigh their needs when choosing a model. Although the elimination of the spare tire is somewhat in line with the trend of modern car design, for some car owners it can still be inconvenient in case of emergency. Therefore, the practicality of a spare tire is still irreplaceable when it is really needed.
In an emergency, there is no substitute for the practicality of a spare tire. However, with the continuous advancement of technology and the renewal of design concepts, car manufacturers are looking for more optimized solutions. By eliminating the spare tire, the vehicle is lighter, saving space, and further improving safety through the use of other advanced technologies and designs.