HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WTKR) Spending five dollars on a gallon of gas may sound ludicrous, but some economists say that number is closer to reality than you think.
AAA predicts all automakers may ditch the spare tire on new vehicles to achieve better gas mileage.
“I think that's a long way away because there's a lot of government issues that have to be gotten beyond before something like that can happen as a standard,” says Becky Nixon with Southern Dodge Jeep Chrysler Ram.
She says they haven't received any mandates from their manufacturers to take away spare tires
from all of their makes and models.
But AAA says about 20 automakers already have certain models either without a spare or the spare is optional. The goal is to meet new fuel economy standards set up by the department of transportation.
Now AAA says by getting rid of the spare tire and all the tools that go along with it, you could lighten your car's load by 40 pounds, giving you some extra gas mileage.
A mother of three, Rachel Adams, says a vehicle without a spare tire isn't one of her favorite ideas even if it would save her some cash.
“I think safety is more important than lightening a load for an extra couple dollars of gas," says Adams.
Cars without spares could come with standard inflator kits, fix-a-flat, or run flat tires that can be driven a few miles to a safe location.
Still, the alternatives aren't so settling for Adams.
“So, what if you break down? You literally have to stand on the side of the road with your children?" asks Adams.
Whatever direction automakers go with spare tires, drivers hope gas prices go south.
Automakers consider getting rid of spare tire to save gas mileage
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boatdoc at 10:43 AM January 27, 2012
I don't think that doing away with spare tires is a good idea, even if you have a
roadside assist membership like AAA. There are a lot of drivers that don't belong
to one of these clubs, and it could put them in a bad situation if they had a flat,
and besides, how much fuel would you save by cutting the weight of a car 40lbs.
Linda Cowger at 9:12 PM January 26, 2012
Absolutely ridiculous! Save gas? What about the gas the wrecker uses to come tow your car, not to mention the tow charge. What are they thinking? Or is this what they want, more money in the Automakers pocket? Where does all of this stop? It's time the people stood up. None of this makes sense at all!
