ToyotaLexus

How long do unused spare tires last sitting in the trunk?
Mine is 6-years-old full-size spare and never been used.
Is it still usable as an emergerncy replacment or regular use?

The reason I'm asking is that I read in a Motor Trend magazine
sometime ago that said the tire rubber will deterioate after 5 to 7 years,
even one sitting in a warehouse.

What do the experts at the Tire Rack say about this?

Thanks!

One HoT

iTrader: (5)

I dont see a reason why you can't use a 6 year old spare if it has no leaks and has sizable thread left. Even if, in fact, that rubber deterioates after several unused years, I'm more than positive the tire can get you where you want to go.

PERRYinLA

Only 6 years old? I think the 4 tires on my car are older than that!

My 12-year old OEM spare has never been used, looks great, and holds its air better than the ones on my car. If anything, it is exposed to less ozone sealed up in my trunk than my mounted tires are subjected to.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

same here too, i have a 98 gs4 and the spare is 6 yrs

i looked at it, still good condition, i brought it to a tire shop and they said it's no problem as long as there is no crack on the surface or leaking air

Wald GS

iTrader: (1)

haha. In that case, my spare is gonna be 11 yrs old pretty soon.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

hahhaa, poor you, you should just use it some time, you know

nthach

I just replaced my spare, it had 2/32nds of a inch left on it. I had the tire shop move the newest tire on the car onto the spare.

Lexusfreak

Sure it can......just check the spare is at the correct tire pressure! Get a digital tire pressure guage as well ($10 - $12 at your local auto parts store). They are worth their weight in gold!