Change a flat? What's that?

By Bruce Davis ERJ staff

Detroit, Michigan -- For decades, US the auto and tyre industries have chased the Holy Grail known as the run-flat tyre to solve a motorist's mobility problems and do away with the spare tyre, which just adds weight and robs valuable trunk space.

Now the spare may be an endangered species, but not because tyre makers finally have come up with an acceptable run-flat.

Instead, other technological advances -- tyre pressure monitoring systems, cell phones and on-board emergency call services -- have combined with improved roadside assistance programs to sound what may be the death knell for the spare tyre.

In explaining why it doesn't offer a spare tyre on the new Chevrolet Cruze compact, General Motors pointed to those factors and a change in driver behavior. GM said only about half of drivers choose to change a flat tyre on the road even when they have a spare tyre.

GM does offer Cruze owners the option of a space-saver spare, but the standard equipment is a tyre inflation kit: a canister of sealant integrated into a plug-in compressor. GM even pitches the versatility of the compressor by including attachments so the driver can inflate mattresses, beach toys, etc.

The Cruze is the third Chevy to get that treatment, after the retro HHR and Cruze forerunner the Cobalt. The Corvette has not had a spare on board for years, but it's equipped with run-flat tyres.

Other recent-vintage models with run-flats include the Cadillac SRX, Saturn Vue Greenline hybrid, Pontiac G8/GT, Ford Mustang GT500, Chrysler Crossfire, Mazda RX8 and Honda Fit.

Interesting note: Most driving schools today don't teach students how to change a flat tyre. Some require students to familiarise themselves with the workings of a car, but few if any offer hands-on experience with a tyre jack and lug wrench.

From Automotive News (A Crain publication)