Let's talk about your spare tire (or lack thereof)....

Ok Kia Owner!  Here's one that MIGHT just surprise you.   If you own a Soul, Optima, Forte, Rio and even some Sorentos and Sportages newer than about 2010, chances are you do NOT have a spare tire.  Now, before you panic, let's talk about this. 

Granted, your sales person should have shown you this at the time of the demonstration of the car, or during final delivery.  To be fair, it's a very easy thing to overlook. So, before you go back yelling and screaming, let's be clear.  About 80% of cars sold today (especially imports) do not have a spare tire.  They have a 'Mobility Kit' that allows you seal and reinflate the tire to drive and get it repaired.  There are a few reasons for this. 

Reason 1: Federal Regulations require a minimum gas milage target. One way that car makers increase milage is to reduce weight.  A mobility kit weights about 2 pounds compared to a spare, jack and lug wrench which can weigh somewhere around 25 to 30 pounds. Sometime more. That does not sound like a lot, but it does make a difference especially when combined with other weight saving measures. 

Reason2: The way tires are made now, 9 out of 10 flats are caused by a puncture. (Nail, screw, Bic pen..etc).  It is easier to seal and re inflate the tire and take it to be fixed.  (Especially at 2am on the side of the freeway. 

NO SPARE (Optima EX)

SPARE (Cadenza)

Reason 3: It's safer.  When you buy a Kia, you get Road Side Assistance for 5 years, 60,000 miles. That means, you make a call, a tow truck comes and either tows you to the nearest Kia dealership, or they change your tire (if you have a spare) or they help with your mobility kit. All without you getting your hands dirty.  And seriously, when was the last time you changed a tire by yourself??

Now, all this being said, if you are losing your mind over not having a spare tire in your life, it is a simple thing to go to your Kia dealership parts department and get a spare tire kit. This includes the donut spare, lug wrench and jack.  On average it's about $200.00.  (Plus you get to keep the mobility kit that came with the car, so you are double covered. 

Remember the number to Kia Roadside assistance is programmed your UVO eservices . 1800-333-4KIA

Thanks, and remember, Jim Marsh Kia in Las Vegas is THE place to buy your next KIA! Come ask for me, (CASH) and I will be glad to help.

Have a GREAT day!