Brazil moves to ban temporary spare tires in new cars
A bill (PL 1396/2026) introduced by Deputy Pastor Gil (PL‑MA) in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies seeks to eliminate the use of temporary spare tires, known as “estepe fino”, in new passenger cars, SUVs, pickups, utility and commercial vehicles. The proposal would require that all new vehicles be equipped from the factory with a full‑size spare tire identical in dimensions, load capacity and speed index to the original wheels, and would prohibit the sale of kits that replace the spare with a smaller, limited‑use tire.
The sponsor argues that temporary spares compromise stability, braking, traction and electronic systems such as ABS, increasing the risk of loss of control, skidding or rollover. Automotive safety expert Edegar Alves corroborates the safety concerns, noting an 80 km/h speed limit for the temporary tires and possible interference with brake‑assist and traction‑control functions. The draft legislation outlines penalties for non‑compliance, including fines proportional to the vehicle’s value, suspension of model sales and the mandatory provision of a full spare tire at no cost to the consumer. The bill is currently in the early legislative stage with no scheduled vote date.
Entities: Brazil · Brazilian Chamber of Deputies · Edegar Alves · Pastor Gil
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Expert Edegar Alves says temporary spare tires have a maximum recommended speed of 80 km/h and can interfere with ABS and traction‑control systems. (article)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Deputy Pastor Gil (PL‑MA) introduced bill PL 1396/2026 in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. (article)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Deputy Pastor Gil argues that temporary spare tires can affect vehicle stability, braking, traction, ABS and may cause loss of control. (article)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The proposal requires new passenger cars, SUVs, pickups, utility and commercial vehicles to be equipped with a full‑size spare tire identical to the original wheels. (article)
- [● 2 SOURCES] If enacted, manufacturers, importers and dealers would be prohibited from selling new vehicles equipped with temporary spare tires in Brazil. (article)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The draft legislation proposes penalties such as fines proportional to the vehicle’s value, suspension of sales, and mandatory free provision of a full spare tire for non‑compliance. (article)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The bill is currently in the early legislative stage with no scheduled vote date. (article)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The bill seeks to prohibit the use of temporary spare tires (estepe fino) in new vehicles. (article)