Driving a Tesla Model Y just got more efficient, thanks to an unexpected twist: spare tires from Modern Spare. In addition to solving a persistent problem for Tesla and other electric vehicle (EV) owners—lack of a factory-supplied spare tire—this innovative solution has the potential to improve driving efficiency by as much as 10%. Here’s what we learned from a recent test of this unique product.

Why Tesla Model Y Owners Need a Spare Tire Solution

Many modern vehicles no longer include a spare tire as standard equipment, a trend that has reached more than half of the new cars sold today. Tesla is no exception. Instead, automakers have shifted toward including tire repair kits or run-flat tires, both of which can complicate situations when you experience a flat. According to Cody, the founder of Modern Spare, this trend has been largely driven by automakers looking to cut costs or improve fuel and energy efficiency by shedding the weight of a spare tire.

For Tesla Model Y users, the problem is compounded by the vehicle's electric drivetrain and specialized wheels. If a flat tire occurs, simply carrying a generic spare won't suffice due to unique factors like precise diameter requirements to maintain the car's performance and safety systems. This is especially critical for an EV like the Model Y, where drivetrain symmetry is a must to ensure optimal operation.

Testing Modern Spare’s Unique Solution

The video’s host began the test with a baseline drive, completing a 46.8-mile highway loop on the Tesla Model Y’s stock tires in “Chill Mode” and self-driving mode. The stock tires, which had over 2,700 miles of wear, delivered an efficiency of roughly 4.7 miles per kilowatt-hour.

Next, all four standard tires were swapped out for Modern Spare’s lighter, specially designed spare tires at the company’s headquarters in Ogden, Utah. The Model Y completed the same route using just 9.4 kWh of energy—a 0.7 kWh reduction compared to the stock tires. This resulted in an increased efficiency of over 5 miles per kilowatt-hour, a nearly 10% improvement.

While this efficiency boost wasn’t the primary goal of the test, it represents an intriguing secondary benefit of using the lightweight Modern Spare tires.

Standard Tires vs. Modern Spare Tires

Feature	Standard Model Y Tires	Modern Spare Tires
Diameter	Exact factory specifications	Exact match to factory specs
Material	Standard rubber	Lightweight materials
Energy Efficiency	~4.7 mi/kWh	Over 5 mi/kWh
TPMS Support	Yes	Not included
Long-Distance Compatibility	Yes	Specifically optimized

The increased efficiency comes down to the lightweight design of Modern Spare tires, which are engineered not only for practicality but also to seamlessly fit the Tesla’s storage areas and maintain functionality.

How Modern Spare Designed a Seamless Spare Tire Solution for Tesla

Cody, Modern Spare’s founder, explained that their spare tire solution isn’t just a “temporary fix.” Unlike the compact spare tires of years past, which often had a smaller diameter and could risk damaging modern drivetrains, Modern Spare’s products are precision-engineered. This ensures they match the exact diameter of the Tesla’s factory-installed tires, preventing issues like drivetrain stress or speedometer discrepancies.

Installing the Modern Spare in a Tesla Model Y involves minor, user-friendly modifications. The spare tire fits neatly into the rear sub-trunk area, hidden from sight but instantly accessible in case of a flat. The installation process includes removing trim panels, using a provided template and mounting kit, and securing the spare with custom brackets and straps. The entire process is designed to be straightforward and can be completed with basic tools provided in the kit, giving drivers added convenience.

Addressing Common Concerns About Spare Tires

Many Tesla owners might hesitate to modify their vehicles, especially for a component they hope they’ll rarely use—but Modern Spare has taken this into consideration. For example:

• Lease Concerns: If a leased Tesla has been modified to accommodate the spare tire, the flooring material can be replaced easily and inexpensively before returning the car.
• Durability and Compatibility: Modern Spare tires are designed for long-distance driving, eliminating the traditional 50-mile limit imposed on older compact spares. They also maintain the same diameter as factory tires, ensuring your Tesla’s safety systems, speedometer, and drivetrain remain unaffected.
• User-Friendliness: From lightweight materials to transparent wheel designs that make installation straightforward, the spare tire kit is built for ease of use, even by those with no mechanical experience.

The Unexpected Benefit: Increased EV Efficiency

Perhaps the most surprising finding of the test was the impact of Modern Spare tires on the Tesla’s efficiency. The host discovered that switching to these specially designed spare tires provided a nearly 10% boost in energy efficiency during the highway loop test. While this isn’t the primary intent of using spare tires, it demonstrates the potential for lightweight tires to reduce energy consumption—a consideration EV owners might find exciting.

Practical Takeaways

1. Spare Tires Are Becoming a Necessity: With over 50% of new cars no longer including spare tires, solutions like Modern Spare are filling a critical gap for EV and hybrid owners.
2. Tesla Compatibility and Storage: Modern Spare’s Tesla Model Y kit fits neatly in the sub-trunk, requiring minor and reversible modifications.
3. Efficiency Gains: The lightweight construction of Modern Spare tires resulted in a nearly 10% boost in driving efficiency over standard factory tires.
4. Improved Convenience: The kit is designed for easy installation and long-term reliability, with no need to worry about replacing expensive sensors or parts over time.

Conclusion

Modern Spare’s innovative solution not only resolves a logistical challenge for Tesla Model Y owners but also has the bonus perk of making the car more efficient. With a nearly 10% boost in miles per kilowatt-hour under real-world testing conditions, the product offers benefits well beyond emergency preparedness. Tesla owners now have a practical, reliable, and efficient option for dealing with tire-related emergencies, making long-distance EV driving even more hassle-free and sustainable.