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Posted by: NoSparein2011Elantra Dec 2 2010, 02:39 PM

I just got back from the dealership in Maryland where they had a 2011 Elantra Limited with NO SPARE TIRE. There is a bottle of goo and a small air compressor in a chunk of foam that fits where the spare goes. There is a place where you can attach a spare inside the trunk if you remove the foam, but unless the Limited Premium comes with a spare (which i doubt) don't expect to get a spare tire in the US. I figure they did this to save weight, cost, and improve fuel economy (less weight). If you have a blow out, there is no goo in the world that will get you back on the road. Hyundai is betting that most people will call the 5 year free roadside assistance. I hadn't thought of it, but he's most likely right that the goo will ruin the TPMS (which I believe is mandatory on new cars in the US).

The car also had continental tires which was somewhat unexpected. The oil change dipstick has changed into a steel cable with a plastic tip for measuring the oil. It's easier to read the oil since the plastic tip is yellow, but I had some difficulty getting it back into the engine. It's nice the alternator is easily accessible since I've had issues with these with other models of non-hyundai cars. I don't know if it's all the glossy slime the dealership coats the interior with, but I was a little disappointed with the feel of the interior because the pictures make it look so great. I'm not sure exactly why I felt that way. Maybe the pushy car saleswoman was at fault. I still like it better than anything else I've seen so far.

Like my profile says, I bought my first Hyundai Elantra brand new in 2003 and haven't looked back. I've owned Dodge, Honda, Toyota, and GMC cars. None have compared to my Hyundais in reliability. Everyone else can have their hood ornaments and high car payments.

I love my 2007 Elantra SE. I was going to go for the 2011 Sonata, which was nice when I had it for a rental, but since the Elantra is almost the same thing (with a few more features where it counts) I'll probably go for the new Elantra once I get back from overseas in a few years. That's the great thing about Hyundai is they depreciate quickly, I can buy a used one with the 5 year warranty (10 year is non transferable), excellent quality, for a great price. That's what I did with my 2007 when I bought it last year.

One tip I have is that you can check Hyundai technical service bulletins on their website here http://www.hmaservice.com/ with a free account. If your Hyundai has any issues similar to ones described in the TSB's it's easy to convince the service department when you have a printout of the TSB that describes the issue perfectly. They have details on the new MD version of the Elantra posted, but I didn't see the owner's manual last I checked. They have features that aren't available listed such as rotating headlights (as you turn corners) and rain sensing wipers in the repair guides, but I also noticed stuff like that for my 2007. It would be cool if you could mod your car with those features later using the parts from those overseas (like Korea where I'm assuming they offer those features).

The dealership gets in the 2011 Elantra Limited Premium next week. I'm hoping I'll like the push button start, backup camera, and nav that aren't included in the Limited. I also didn't see the automatic headlights on the Limited, but the dealer mentioned that it's on the premium verison. I'm disappointed that I have to wait until I get back from being overseas to get a low mileage used one. Sorry for rambling.

Posted by: only1db Dec 2 2010, 03:07 PM

i just looked at one today...the front end is nice but it seems a little too small...like its not proportional? maybe its just me...i like the interior though. i didnt get a chance to sit in it though.

Posted by: jamhandman Dec 2 2010, 03:28 PM

why is your username NoSparein2011Elantra?

Posted by: seant2h Dec 2 2010, 03:33 PM

Yesterday I drove a Limited Premium (Desert Bronze with Beige interior) and it didn't have a spare tire either... just some goo and a compressor. I thought the car was much nicer and sportier in person than in pictures. Also, the door to the back seat is smaller than it appears and I hit my head getting into the car... then again I'm 6'2". I found out that the colors being offered are:
-Pearl White
-Radiant Silver
-Desert Bronze
-Indigo Blue Pearl
-Black Metallic
-Red Allure
-Blue Sky Metallic
-Titanium Gray Metallic
With interior colors of:
-Beige
-Gray
-Black

I told the salesman that I didn't really want to move on it right away because I didn't want them to offer auto climate control or dual zone and I'd miss the bus for jumping the gun and he told me that Hyundai never makes mid year revisions so any new options which might make it into the car will not appear until the 2012 models show up.

Also, there are a bunch of pictures along with pictueres of a presentation on the Elantra, Sonata, and Hyundai in general located at:
http://shows.autospies.com/gallery/2011-Hyundai-Elantra-224/page1/

Posted by: elantragt Dec 2 2010, 03:38 PM

Yeah, that's sort of one post name. B)

Posted by: blacksapphirez Dec 2 2010, 04:07 PM

i thought i already told you they wouldn't have a spare lol

oh and Canadians get Auto Climate control US won't!

Posted by: sarge Dec 2 2010, 04:35 PM

^ if that's true - I'll do a group buy option for peeps south of the border if wanted.

oh - when do we get it up here?? huh huh?

Posted by: blacksapphirez Dec 2 2010, 04:45 PM

dunno about climate control but spare can be bought at the dealer

Posted by: Tom06 Dec 2 2010, 04:58 PM

Unfortunately, with the EPA fuel requirements, combined with more (heavy!) safety features being required, more and more cars will be shipping without the spare/jack to save weight. Hard to blame Hyundai.

Posted by: cobas Dec 2 2010, 06:43 PM

I think it's fine it has no spare. About time they deleted that, and I'm impressed it comes with a pump.

First of all... how many tires on passenger cars really explode lately? Barring that Firestone/Explorer spat a while back, I think it's almost unheard of. I've never had it happen, nor anyone I know. Second, the cause of most blowouts is probably underinflation, which should be addressed by the TPMS and provided air pump. Third, I have a spare and on the rare occasion I check the pressure, it's usually flat, which is also why I have the electric pump as well. Between the pump, the free roadside assistance and the bottle of goo... I think it's fine.

Posted by: Neanderthal Dec 2 2010, 08:43 PM

Same as on my 07 GP. Can of mace, I mean Spare Tire, and a suggestion you call somebody. I'd rather have a real spare.

Now, who the hell decided to plant those two center dash vents where they are? Krikey, talk about FUBAR.

Posted by: Vampyrate Dec 2 2010, 09:16 PM

Personally, I like the safety net of having a spare (would rather have a full sized spare in all cars). But in all honesty how many people outside of this forum do you know of that know how to change a flat tire at all? And IF we were to have a blowout, would a can of fix a flat help, I think not.

Posted by: 02elantragt Dec 2 2010, 09:31 PM

What people change their own tires?? Lol I've actually had a car tire blow out on me I was going like 75 at the time too and it was a steer tire. It was interesting. Anyways it was my ol' '79 impala so I yanked the full size spare out of the trunk large enough for 5 dead bodies and grabbed my bumper jack jacked it up and off I went... lol. I think thats the only time though... I like to have a spare preferrably a full size.

Posted by: afob3 Dec 2 2010, 09:43 PM

I think the focus or one of the other same class cars also comes without a spare.

EDIT... quick google shows a few other mainstream cars that come without.

http://www.zimbio.com/Safe+Driving/articles/14/Spare+Tire+Is+History

Posted by: Neanderthal Dec 2 2010, 10:21 PM

Sounds like it's time for some entrepreneurs to develop Continental Kits with REAL spare tires.

Posted by: fsv87 Dec 3 2010, 02:57 AM

I like having the spare.

Just a little peace of mind.

Posted by: jamhandman Dec 3 2010, 07:59 AM

A spare tire is required in the real world. There have been two cases where these cans of crap wouldn't help me at all I would need a tow.

ONCE: Tire slashed in NYC after being parked overnight. Good thing I had a spare tire and drove it to the tire shop myself, no TOW!!
TWICE: Ran something over in the Tappan Zee bridge blew out my tire, as well as a few other people's. Good thing I had a spare tire, I drove home and got a new tire in the morning!

Another thing to note. On my way to work I saw a blow out tire on a new volvo s80 on the side of the road. Tread flew off the tire. Hope that driver had a spare tire! I would rather lose 1 or 2 MPGs know that I don't have to spend money and time waiting for a tow truck.

This really turned me off, but good thing I can just get a spare tire and place it in the trunk.

Posted by: equus Dec 3 2010, 08:46 AM

MD is made in Alabama which does not come with a spare where as the UD made in Korea will be equipped with a spare. That sealer required to inflate a punctured tire does not harm the TPMS sensor.

Posted by: Blupupher Dec 3 2010, 09:38 AM

Yea, the only way I would have no spare is if the tires were runflats. But as said, at least Hyundai has a decent roadside assistance program.

So there is a spot for a spare, but it has a compressor and tire goo? Wonder what car you could grab a spare from from a junk yard?

Posted by: jamhandman Dec 3 2010, 09:41 AM

I would just take to one from my HD and hope it fits, or just get a full size tire and lose some trunk space. That's how it was in my older car.

Posted by: michael2 Dec 3 2010, 12:11 PM

Its actually pretty dangerous to change your tire on the side of the road anyway.

Many people have died while changing their tires. ALWAYS STAY IN YOUR CAR AND CALL FOR HELP.

Its a common psychological phenomenon that people tend to stare at things on the side of the road. However, inadvertently, your hands (and also the steering wheel) follows where your eyes are. There have been many instances where people rear end a police car just because of this.

Posted by: Neanderthal Dec 3 2010, 01:48 PM

See any episode of World's Dumbest Drivers for further details.

Posted by: Bigs Dec 3 2010, 02:41 PM

I guess with roadside assistance, many people don't even do anything anymore.

As long as you aren't left stranded I guess it's ok.

Posted by: natesi Dec 3 2010, 04:02 PM

So, if your tire blows out and you call roadside assistance... they would normally put your spare on for you.

But in this case, there's no spare.

So, do they GIVE you a rim and tire, or do they call a tow truck? Or what?

If they don't give you a tire (and just a tow) and it's after hours or Sunday (when all the tire places are closed) then you're totally stranded.

It seems unlikely they would give you an emergency tire -- they would have to bring some spares with them to get the lug pattern and possibly the offset right, although I suppose it's possible they might carry around a bunch of emergency spares.

Posted by: Tom06 Dec 3 2010, 04:51 PM

They just tow you to a shop. Space saver spares are only supposed to take you short distances anyway, so you're stuck in whatever town you break down in until a tire shop opens.

Posted by: natesi Dec 3 2010, 04:59 PM

Lame

Posted by: Neanderthal Dec 3 2010, 05:01 PM

The problems with roadside assistance:
1.) How long before they show? Thirty minutes? An hour?
2.) They'll probably tow you or flatbed you. How many spare tire/wheel combos are they going to have sitting around the shop? And will the person who answers the phone get the correct make/model/year so they, off-chance, actually bring the proper spare?
3.) They'll probably tow or flatbed you because
a.) they can charge more and
b.) entails less tow driver time and labor, with the chance of his injury, than if he jacked the car and put on a spare.
4.) If you call during a high-volume time, you could be stuck for a long time.
5.) Removes driver independence factor, very important to some.

Posted by: blacksapphirez Dec 3 2010, 05:03 PM

As far as I know...

UD is made in Alabama for NA.
MD is made in Korea
MDa is made in Korea for NA consumption

US spec cars(regardless of their origin) will NOT have spare
Canada spec cars(regardless of their origin) WILL have spare

sealer specifically says not to use with TPMS.

I vote for SPARE all the way

Posted by: jamhandman Dec 3 2010, 05:13 PM

yeah but with a small spare tire you might be able to pick a better town

SPARE TIRE FTW!!!

Sure there is risk in putting the spare tire on, but if you don't feel safe then call in a tow truck.

Posted by: fsv87 Dec 3 2010, 10:37 PM

I guess it's even more attractive to me because I have no roadside services.

Posted by: Vampyrate Dec 4 2010, 08:23 AM

I've had AAA since I started driving and response times really have gone downhill. I think having a spare is just something that a lot of people are used to, like having a radio; for some it would be weird to have a car that didn't have that.

Posted by: only1db Dec 4 2010, 08:49 AM

i was travelling to get my wedding marriage (because i forgot it on the way in! duh!) but i was going out and i had a tire go flat...if it wasnt for the spare tire i would have been beat unmercifully!!! thank you spare tire for making me on time to my wedding.

Posted by: Silentwolf Dec 4 2010, 11:28 AM

I think you all should answer these questions tho.

How many total miles have you traveled?

How many years have you been driving?

How many flats have you gotten where a spare would have helped?

For me:
150k+

12yrs

1 flat

Posted by: fsv87 Dec 4 2010, 01:09 PM

Haha.

For me:

86k

7 years

4 flats

Posted by: natesi Dec 4 2010, 02:36 PM

Been driving 19 years; lots of miles (don't know how many).

Lots of slow leaks, but only had to use the spare once. And it was well worth having. It got me home that night and then I drove to the tire place the next morning.

Without a spare I would had to have been towed to the tire place (major pain in the butt and possible damage to car), then either took a cab home (very expensive) or stayed in a motel (also very expensive). Look at the cost I would have to incurred (and the added time and inconvenience). The spare tire pays for itself, in my opinion.

So... the tow truck driver may get you and your car to the tire place... but if they are closed, then what? Is he going to drive you to a motel? Kinda doubtful.

Posted by: only1db Dec 4 2010, 09:53 PM

thats a good way to think about it....


16 years

400k+ miles

2 flats (that i can remember)

Posted by: Blupupher Dec 5 2010, 12:02 AM

been driving 25+ years

over 750,000 miles

at least 10 flat tires, 4 of which were complete tire failures (belt/tread separated).

Of the rest, a can of fix a flat probably would have worked (except for the one in my Jeep with a torn sidewall, but that is another issue), since they were from nails/screws that were slow leaks that were not found till the morning when coming out to leave. But that leaves the issue of finding time to have the tire fixed. If I have a spare, I could put that on, put the flat tire in the wifes car or drop it off at the tire place and pick it up later. With no spare, I would have to add the fix a flat stuff, drive to the tire place and wait at least 1 hour to have it repaired (after having had to wait for them to open more than likely).
In all truthfulness, a car without a spare (even as an option) is not a car I would buy. I mean really, a temp spare (which I don't really like, I want a full size for 5 tire rotation) weighs what, 30 lbs max? There is a space for it, give me the option to decide if I want to loose .02mpg with it.

Posted by: Neanderthal Dec 5 2010, 12:30 PM

The stock steel 15" wheels on my Spectra weigh about 20 lbs. from what I can determine. Tires can weigh 19-25 more lbs. I'd prefer a full spare, but a donut is preferable to the can. After all, I can buy a can of Fix A Flat for a few bucks. The maker "giving" one with each car is simply a cost- and weight-cutting measure.
Still, 45 lbs. plus say 5 lbs. for tools is 50 lb. in a 2900 lb. car (call it 3000 for easier math). That's less than 2% of the total curb weight.

I can see the makers' logic, since statistically the actual owners' use of a spare is probably less than one percent over the first five years of ownership.
Which means that doing the math, they have calculated it will be less expensive for them to do a road service trip occasionally vs. the cost/weight/space/mpg (what, .02 or .2 % difference?) advantage vs. a donut spare.
Makes sense to them, not so much for those of us who'd prefer to have that 50 lbs. of security and convenience. After all, how many drivers today have the will and the motivation to


1. Read the manual
2. Get hands dirty
3. Jack car up
4. Figure out how to use lug wrench
5. Rassle with 40+ lbs. of dirty tire/wheel
6. Take time out from their OMG! and BFF! to do all this?

Posted by: Silentwolf Dec 5 2010, 02:09 PM

I use spares on long trips only. Otherwise it just collects dust in my garage.


My point kinda was, if you really feel the need for a spare based on ur history, then go to junkyard and get a steel wheel and slap a tire on it.

For me, my history says a can of slime n compressor is enough for commuting. And i'll throw the donut or spare in for the long hauls.

Posted by: natesi Dec 5 2010, 03:41 PM

They made us change a tire in my 11th grade Driver's Ed class.

If you've done it once you know exactly what to do the next time and it's not a big deal. So you can do away with step 1 and 4. And I'm not sure what step 6 is. The thing that would suck the most is if it's cold, dark, and/or rainy out. But hey, ya gotta work with the circumstances life throws you. I always keep a flashlight, rubber gloves (so you don't freeze your wet hands off), a rag, and a rain hat in my car because you never know. These come in handy if you have to put chains on too.

Posted by: jamhandman Dec 6 2010, 08:42 AM

Quote from Hyundai on twitter: "According to the tire industry, 90 percent of flats can be repaired with a Tire Mending Kit"

I wrote back saying just include both so they have 100% coverage, but I didn't get a response to that.

Seriously, driving for 7 years, two flats, one tread broke off. Needed a spare tire each time. I need it. No bottle of anything was going to help me.

I feel the consumer does not win in this case.

Posted by: blacksapphirez Dec 6 2010, 02:53 PM

I say...quit whining and buy the spare at the dealership if you want.

very simple

I had a BMW with run-flat tire. replaced it with traditional tire for comfort and performance. never needed spare in 50k of driving. just me though

Posted by: Bobzilla Dec 6 2010, 03:00 PM

^This. An old family saying: Shit or get off the pot.... quit whining and do something about it.

Posted by: lee_350z Dec 6 2010, 06:28 PM

If you want a spare tire just pull the styrofoam block out and stick a spare tire in it. Better yet, there's probably room for a full size spare in the spare tire well, so you could buy a full size wheel and tire and not lose ANY trunk space. Seriously not a big deal, just have to fork up a couple hundred bucks to get it. Hardly worth complaining about in my opinion.

Ohh, I used the air compressor the other day to air up a tire on my truck. Noisy but did the job lol.

Posted by: Bobzilla Dec 6 2010, 06:39 PM

The old NSX ($80k car) came with a deflated minispare and a compressor to air it up. Talk about a PITA.

Posted by: 02elantragt Dec 6 2010, 09:37 PM

Eh, you just can't be stupid about it and make sure your off the road are visible have your 4ways on. and hopefully your tire is curbside. I have a job that i am out along side interstate 80 changing tires and doing any other sort of repair on tractor trailers all the time. the worst part is normally they don't get too far off the road and people don't move over anymore. It's pretty much a use your head situation and keep your eyes open.


Alot of gm cars in the 70's-80's had a deflated fullsize spare the compressed to the size of a minispare in diameter anyways. and gave you a can of fix-a-flat like stuff that inflated the tire kinda cool.

Posted by: phatwebs Mar 7 2011, 06:43 PM

America's super car, the Corvette, has had the same type of system for years.

I believe routine maintenance and inspections is the key to mitigating a complete tire failure that goo and an air compressor can't temporarily fix.

Posted by: huachucakid May 1 2011, 10:05 AM

For those people like me looking for a spare tire for theor 2011 Elantra, this is what Hyundai USA is saying - "The genuine Hyundai spare tire kit for your Elantra is currently in development and expected to be available late in the second quarter of 2011. We recommend periodically check with the parts department of your local Hyundai dealership to request the latest information available. In the mean time, you can purchase a full size spare tire through your dealership's parts department if needed."

Posted by: Tony240 May 1 2011, 10:30 AM

just grab a standard donut from a seperate car or a steel wheel and throw it in the trunk..

next thing you can do is try and grab one from canadian dealerships because we do have spare tires in ours

Posted by: beldecca May 4 2011, 09:10 AM

Just in case anyone wants a spare kit, I found this online for $275



http://www.hyundaiaccessorystore.com/hyundai_elantra_spare_tire_kit.html

Parts Included:
# 15" Hankook Optimo H418 Tire 3
# 15" Black Steel Wheel
# Foam Tool Holder
# Scissor Jack
# Jack Bar
# Lug Wrench
# Hold Down Screw

Posted by: flyswatter May 10 2011, 03:22 PM

At a quick glance, that seems a good price for a one stop solution. Of particular note is that this is a 15" tire, not a compact spare -- a good thing IMO. Unfortunately, they are out of stock just now.

Posted by: afob3 Feb 2 2012, 09:53 PM

Found this PDF from AAA today when I was reading an article about the spare tire slowly becoming obsolete. I thought it would fit here...

http://www.aaa.com/AAA/corpcomm/socialmedia/No_Spare-Tires.pdf

Posted by: Red Elantra Feb 2 2012, 11:43 PM

Hey-spare tires are not considered to be a safety item, manufacturers can, at their discretion, include or omit the spare tire.

I've mentioned previously about buying the (temporary) spare tire "kit" from Hyundai. It gives me peace of mind and I'm able to rotate my own tires in my garage, which I just did last week.

Posted by: Popkorn Feb 4 2012, 01:35 PM

My intention is to use one of the snow wheels. After reading through this thread, my only concern is the jack. Nobody mentions having one.

Posted by: Red Elantra Feb 4 2012, 01:40 PM

Hey-my spare tire "kit" from Hyundai came with all the necessary tools to change the tire, including the jack.

Posted by: Popkorn Feb 4 2012, 01:52 PM

Is it a custom scissor jack? Custom in that there is a hole in the jack that fits a peg (lift point) under the car. Or is it flat? Meaning most jacks would work. My Nissan jack won't work on the Chevy. The Chevy jack won't work on the Toyoduh, it has a bottle jack. I could go out and check, but I'm just trying get this kind of stuff documented through q and a for all to read.

Posted by: Red Elantra Feb 4 2012, 03:08 PM

Hey-this particular jack is available on Hyundais up to the size of the Elantra. The part that fits around the rocker sill where the jacking point is located is u shaped. It's vaguely shown in the owner's manual.