Dear Doctor: I recently bought a 2011 Hyundai Elantra and was not told the car did not have a spare tire or donut. Instead of a tire, there is a “kit-type set-up” of a pump and something like a sealant. Needless to say the first week that I had the car I had a blowout, which tore the tire, rendering this “kit” worthless. There is a space in the trunk for one, so why isn’t there a spare? Jim
Dear Jim: You are not alone. Three of my cars do not have spare tires, just the tire repair kits. I would go online to tirerack.com for a spare tire and wheel. Double check to make sure a full-size tire will fit in the tire well area before you buy a spare. I would have to say; I think cars in the compact class should have spare tires.