Chris Jones
Member
It just hit me I don't think anyone mentioned this as a reason the spare tire is disappearing. Others and myself have mentioned weight reduction/mpg increase, improved reliability of tires/lack off need, and lack of driver knowledge on how to install a spare as reasons for the disappearance of the spare these days.
I now submit another: cell phones.
Today few people are stranded when they have a flat. It's rare to have to walk a dark street or miles of busy highway to find a pay phone--people can sit in their car and call someone to come to your rescue. In the 70's folks had to change tires in the cold rain on the side of the road at night with a flashlight using a bumper jack and a 4 say lug wrench while cars whipped by. I remember the anxiety when someone was pulling over--was this a good Samaritan going to help or trouble. If the spare was flat or missing I might walk for miles hoping again the right person and not the wrong person stopped to offer a ride. Finally I remember finding a pay phone and the receiver was broken. I can smile now. I used to know folks that kept spare hoses, belts and tools in their car/truck.
So, you keep a car charger for your cell in the glove box right?
I now submit another: cell phones.
Today few people are stranded when they have a flat. It's rare to have to walk a dark street or miles of busy highway to find a pay phone--people can sit in their car and call someone to come to your rescue. In the 70's folks had to change tires in the cold rain on the side of the road at night with a flashlight using a bumper jack and a 4 say lug wrench while cars whipped by. I remember the anxiety when someone was pulling over--was this a good Samaritan going to help or trouble. If the spare was flat or missing I might walk for miles hoping again the right person and not the wrong person stopped to offer a ride. Finally I remember finding a pay phone and the receiver was broken. I can smile now. I used to know folks that kept spare hoses, belts and tools in their car/truck.
So, you keep a car charger for your cell in the glove box right?