As more automakers place an emphasis on improving gas mileage, some have turned to interesting tactics to reduce weight. One of the most popular methods is removing spare tires from new cars, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Taking away spare tires seems like a good idea, experts say. A temporary spare can weigh around 30 pounds, while a full-size spare and the tools that come with it can add 50 pounds to the total weight. When compared to around five or six pounds for the tire sealant kits manufacturers have replaced the tires with, the choice is obvious, especially when you consider reducing a car's weight by 10 percent can increase fuel economy by between 6 and 7 percent. Despite the advantages, there are some who are not sold on the idea.

"Engineers sweat bullets to reduce a car's weight by grams, and this is a way to shed 40 or 50 pounds," Bill Visnic, Edmunds.com senior editor and analyst, told the newspaper. "Not every customer is comfortable with it, though."

Statistics show the average drivers tends to get a flat tire once every 30,000 to 40,000 miles, and although some people may not be comfortable driving without a spare, as a whole drivers have become more confident thanks to improved tire quality and cell phones.

Having properly inflated tires will help remove some of the concern of getting a flat while out on the road. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center can help give you peace of mind behind the wheel. Not only will its skilled technicians check your tires but they can take care of any other issues.