Spare Tire or Repair Kit? A Trunk Checklist Before a Road Trip
Before a road trip, open the trunk and identify your car’s actual tire equipment. A spare wheel, a compressor-and-sealant kit, and roadside assistance are different preparations. Do not discover which one you have only after a puncture. This is a pre-departure inventory, not a roadside tire-changing tutorial. For your vehicle’s permitted use and limits, read the matching owner’s manual or ask a qualified tire professional. Contents 1. Identify the equipment, not an assumption 2. Include the spare in the maintenance check 3. Make the equipment reachable 4. Questions to ask before you drive 1. Identify the equipment, not an assumption Look in the location described by your vehicle’s manual. Note whether there is a full-size spare, a temporary spare, a repair kit, or another arrangement. Do not assume that a space in the trunk contains a usable tire. Record the model year and trim with your notes. A video showing another version of the car is not proof that your vehicle has the same equi...