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To the editor: Your prolonged article on the shortage of spare tires in new vehicles, particularly electrical autos and hybrids, missed crucial consequence (hazard) — you possibly can find yourself completely stranded.
A truck despatched by AAA arrives however is unable to assist; they don’t restore tires, and you can not drive on three wheels. So, the automobile should be towed to a spot the place a substitute tire is on the market. Good luck with that.
It’s occurred to me earlier than, as soon as within the freezing chilly at 2 a.m. I needed to abandon my automobile and discover a technique to get house.
Barry Alter, Encino
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To the editor: EVs aren’t the one autos with out spare tires. Most shoppers are unaware that the autos they hire would not have one both.
I realized that the arduous means when my automobile had a flat tire and needed to be towed 30 miles again to the rental workplace in upstate New York.
When requested if a automobile has a spare tire, the rental counter workers haven’t any clue. Earlier than you drive away, look into the trunk to see if there’s a spare.
I contacted my state representatives, however they ignored my considerations. My spouse commutes, and if her automobile is within the store and he or she has to hire a automobile, she might be stranded on the aspect of a highway into the darkness of evening.
Robert Rice Jr., Goleta
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To the editor: My automobile is a 2016 Toyota Prius. After I purchased it, I used to be informed that there was no spare tire, however the enclosed package to patch a flat was simple to make use of.
After I received a flat tire a few years later, the technician who arrived stated that AAA doesn’t patch tires with the package. My automobile needed to be towed.
Some months later I skilled one other flat. Determined for a spare, I contacted my mechanic, who discovered a “doughnut” for me. It matches completely within the nicely that’s constructed into the trunk below the ground board, which tells me that Toyota is conscious {that a} spare tire is an efficient factor.
The concept the package is straightforward to make use of is ridiculous. If the AAA one that comes to at least one’s assist can’t or is not going to patch the tire, how can a 90-year-old lady like me be anticipated to jack the automobile up, take away the tire, discover the leak and apply the patch?
I haven’t had a flat since I received the spare, however I’ve the satisfaction of realizing that I received’t want a tow truck, the tire might be changed and I can proceed on my means.
Julie Might, Los Angeles
