Santa Fe Hybrid - No Spare Tire? Should I Be Worried?

I just found out the Santa Fe Hybrid doesn’t come with a spare tire. Instead, it has some kind of “repair kit” (how does that even work?). The salesperson mentioned most people rely on Hyundai roadside assistance (does that come with the car?).

I don’t get flats often, but I’m worried about what happens if I’m far from a Hyundai dealer. Was this a concern for anyone else? I understand it might be for weight or space-saving reasons, but it still makes me nervous. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

You can actually add a spare. Even a full-size one fits. I added it to my hybrid and replaced the repair kit. Cost me about $500 total, including the spare and hoist. Installation only took 20 minutes.

Here’s a guide: Spare Tire Hoist Installation

I live in the Phoenix metro area, so services are always close by. I just call AAA if I need help, and they’re usually quick. But if I lived in a rural area, I’d feel a lot more uneasy about not having a spare.

Honestly, don’t worry too much. A lot of modern vehicles like Mercedes, BMWs, and Genesis models don’t have spares either. They use repair kits to save weight and cut costs. I’ve used these kits before, and they work fine for emergencies.

The kits can get you about 50 miles to a safe place for a proper fix, but they can make the tire unrepairable afterward. I’d still recommend calling AAA or a tow truck if you’re close to a service center, just to avoid the hassle.

@Tate
Good point! A lot of people don’t realize that spare tires can degrade if not maintained. Years later, they might not even be safe to use.

@Tate
Thanks! That’s really helpful to know.

@Tate
Does the repair kit ruin the wheel itself, or just the tire? Would you need to replace the whole wheel if you use it?

Blair said:
@Tate
Does the repair kit ruin the wheel itself, or just the tire? Would you need to replace the whole wheel if you use it?

It only affects the tire, not the wheel itself.

Whoever said there’s no room for a spare is wrong. The hybrid has space for one, but they leave it out to save weight. You can buy an OEM spare tire hoist and install it yourself. All the connection points are already there.

Many people in this forum have done this mod. I’d suggest ditching the repair kit and adding a spare if you’re concerned.

@Conn
What does OEM mean? Thanks!

Hart said:
@Conn
What does OEM mean? Thanks!

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. It means it’s a Hyundai-made part, not from a third-party brand.

I’ve been driving for almost 30 years and have only needed a spare a handful of times, usually for minor issues. I carry a portable inflator for slow leaks and low tires. The fix-a-flat kit is good for emergencies but not permanent repairs.

I think it’s more of a personal choice. If it really bothers you, adding a spare tire is doable. But in my experience, the kit works fine as a backup.

The repair kit is called a TMK (Tire Mobility Kit). It seals and inflates the tire to get you to a repair shop. However, it often makes the tire unrepairable, so it’s best for emergencies only.

Gale said:
The repair kit is called a TMK (Tire Mobility Kit). It seals and inflates the tire to get you to a repair shop. However, it often makes the tire unrepairable, so it’s best for emergencies only.

Someone else mentioned this too. Seems like calling AAA is a better option to avoid ruining the tire. Thanks!

Interesting how some countries get spares and others don’t. In Australia, all models come with the hoist and a full-size spare.

Frey said:
Interesting how some countries get spares and others don’t. In Australia, all models come with the hoist and a full-size spare.

Maybe because some areas in Australia are more rural? That’s an interesting difference.

I’ve been a AAA member for over 25 years. I don’t bother changing tires myself anymore—it’s just easier to let them handle it.

Miller said:
I’ve been a AAA member for over 25 years. I don’t bother changing tires myself anymore—it’s just easier to let them handle it.

Be careful with AAA. I’ve had bad experiences with them botching simple jobs like jump-starts. Once, they told me my alternator was dead (it wasn’t), and another time they damaged my car while trying to jump-start it. I don’t use them anymore.