crush zones

i recently watched a video that indicated the spare tire (SUV - interior accessed/ under the floor behind/to the rear of the gas tank) should be kept in its factory position, citing it is a component of the crush-zone system and as such would diffuse a collision impact and absorb the energy reducing risk to the car's occupants.

this does make sense, but is it the last word on the subject?

input appreciated; thanks.

 

Many vehicle manufacturers do account this into their crash safety. That doesn't necessarily mean it's detrimental to remove it, but they're generally figuring on most people running their vehicles completely stock so they generally won't go out of their way to remove things when designing them.

It should also be noted that the IIHS purchases random vehicles to test and tests them as they come. So therefore the crash test safety ratings include the spare tire, assuming it comes with one. (Some cars are no longer coming with them).