Many New Cars Lack Spares

Automakers are leaving out a feature on a lot of new vehicles in order to meet new fuel standards, 10TV News reported on Wednesday.

Models this year must reach 29.7 miles per gallon.

Automakers are getting rid of the spare tire to cut down on the weight of the vehicle to meet that standard.

AAA Car Care Service Manager Steve Miller said that consumers rarely notice when it is missing.

"Some of the makers are making it an option. and if they don't have a spare tire, some of them put a tire inflator kit, which will be a small air compressor and a can of fix-a-flat. But, then again, if you have a blow-out on the side of the road, it doesn't do you any good," Miller said.

In 2011, AAA responded to more than 14,000 flat tire calls.

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