Just 9 percent came with a full-sized spare tire-the only solution that allows you to continue your travels, without stopping at a service center for a professional repair or new tire. Reviewing records on Consumer Reports test cars going back to the 2017 model year revealed that about 62 percent came with a temporary spare, 15 percent had a sealant kit, and 11 percent were equipped with run-flat tires and no spare. These days, it is important for drivers to have a plan for dealing with a flat tire before it happens.

This is a shame, because they have great promise, and the alternatives bring real compromises. But our testing reveals that not all tire repair kits work as expected. These typically cost around $10 for a pressurized can to around $80 for a full kit with a portable tire inflator, making them an attractive addition to an emergency kit that is kept in the car. For many motorists, the best tools to fix an ailing tire are a phone, roadside assistance membership, and a spare tire or tire sealant kit, which can be used to fix small holes and refill the deflated tire.

Adding to the drama is the reality that many recent cars don’t even come with a spare tire. A flat tire is always inconvenient and often dangerous, risking loss of control while driving or collision while performing a roadside repair.

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