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I was recently helping somebody figure out the age of their tires and as a result decided to check out my own spare in the trunk. I thought it was in a pretty good shape, when I got the car in 2011, but after looking at the DOT markings, I couldn't believe what I saw.
If you read the last 3 digits, it says 312, which translates to the '31st week of 1992'. Generally speaking, tires are no longer safe for use after 5-6 years. Tires that have been made after the year 2000, will have four digits - two for the week and two for the year.
Problems with having a stanced and slammed car. If a tire goes bad Im stuck no way I'm getting a spare jack under the car and no way I am able to drive on one 16" and 3 19" rims
I say 5-6 years tire lifespan is conservative and is a general guideline for tires that are outside installed on a vehicle exposed to the elements.
The spare wheel spends most of its time locked in the trunk, away from the elements, moisture, and sun, so it can go for a bit longer. Just watch that it isn't sitting in rust-proofing oil as that will deteriorate rubber quickly.
I say 5-6 years tire lifespan is conservative and is a general guideline for tires that are outside installed on a vehicle exposed to the elements.
The spare wheel spends most of its time locked in the trunk, away from the elements, moisture, and sun, so it can go for a bit longer. Just watch that it isn't sitting in rust-proofing oil as that will deteriorate rubber quickly.
Agreed, although I think in my case that 22 year old piece of rubber is a time bomb.
I say 5-6 years tire lifespan is conservative and is a general guideline for tires that are outside installed on a vehicle exposed to the elements.
The spare wheel spends most of its time locked in the trunk, away from the elements, moisture, and sun, so it can go for a bit longer. Just watch that it isn't sitting in rust-proofing oil as that will deteriorate rubber quickly.
Tires are considered to be installed/in service if they are mounted on a wheel. Depending on where you live the spare even though it is inside and away from the elements it can fluctuate tire pressure with heat and the cold just like your tires mounted on the car. At least once a day a car will come to the shop with tires that are in need of replacing and we always suggest saving the best tire to swap out with the spare and let me tell you, I've seen 2007-9 car's with tons of signs of the tire deteriorating on the inside even though some of them probably hadn't seen a single day of actual use. We aren't even allowed to sell tires that are nearing the 5-6 year mark.
All that said... I'd still probably let my spare go to 6-8 years granted its got good tread.
Also make sure it's inflated. I checked my spare tire in my daily driver a while ago and it looked fine, I took it out and felt it's a bit soft. Checked it with pressure gauge and it was pretty much empty. It wouldn't be useful if I had to use it on a road trip.
11-19-14, 10:14 PM
PSA: Check Your Tires
