“Our research says that only about half the people who have spare tires actually use them when they have a flat,” says Dave Cowger, engineering group manager for General Motors tire engineering. “Because of the convenience of roadside assistance, many of them make that call even if they have a spare.” Silphion
Member says:
“When I asked a GM Sales Manager about why GM felt “safe” with removing the spare tire, he pointed out that Roadside Assistance is becoming more prevelant, not just as a 1-year promotional from GM, but also from an insurance standpoint. It used to be that only AAA offered significant roadside assistance (towing, locksmith, spare tire delivery/change, gas delivery, etc.). Now almost every insurance offers it as a part of a ‘full’ package.”
So apparently, GM’s thoughts on this were “Everyone is covered, because most customers refuse to be without a cell phone.” http://www.cruzetalk.com/forum/12-wheels-tires-suspension/2019-spare-tire-option.html
As someone who did a stint with a “roadside assistance” company. who are they kidding? From their call to the company to me arriving was normally 2+ HOURS.
When your paying a few bucks a month for the service you get what you pay for. You also find people who want to get there few bucks worth (IE calling all the time) flat bald tires, out of gas, locked the keys in the car..
I stayed busy but 99% of what I was sent out to take care of was preventable. Put gas in the car, keep good tires on the car, and take the keys with you before you lock the door.