Old spare tyre safe to use?

[philepo]

I am on a tight budget. My car needs 2 more front tyres.

My genius idea is to use the 10 yr old original (Continental or Micheline, can't remember) spare and buy a single new one of the same make.

I know rubber degrades, but this tyre has had a literally stress free life and I drive gently.

You're going to chastise me now aren't you?

 

[IanA2]

I wouldn't use a ten year old tyre, never know when it will blow.

 

[BTB 500]

I wouldn't fit a 10 year old tyre and plan to use it long-term. Getting you home in an emergency is a a bit different.

Of course the tyre may be even older anyway - check the date code on the sidewall.

 

[w124nut]

Late last year I got rid of my spare tyre that was 12 years old and it hadn't been used. I went through the "shall I risk using it as a spare or shall I get rid of it?" decision.

I got rid of it but was informed by my local tyre fitters that during the night, it "went" from their pile of tyres for disposal. Probably it's now being used by some unsuspecting motorist after buying it on fleaBay.

 

[A210AMG]

Could you pick up two off e-bay or local tyre garage part worns but good makes instead?

Make sure they have no punctures and the writing on the side determins when they were manufactured also.

 

[philepo]

Not bad idea, but as thwe man says: fleabay - isn't my idea of a confidence inspirer.

I'm sorry to say I think I will use it. it looks mint and I drive slow.

 

[st13phil]

You can find guidance from the tyre manufacturer's, for example here. 10 years seems to be around the recommended maxium life, but this will depend also on how the tyre has been stored: exposure to UV light, temperature variations, etc. can all cause tyres to degrade more quickly.

Personally, if money were tight I would inspect the tyre visually for any sign of age deterioration (circumferential cracks around the bead area are often difficut to see, but do not ignore them!) and then use it if it looks ok. I would then repeat the inspection at fairly short intervals and at the first sign of a problem - which could be visual or could be a vibration issue - I would cease to use it.

I would also caution against using part-worn tyres unless you can be absolutely certain of their past use which is unlikely unless you know the seller personally. If you do go down the part-worn route then get a knowledgable tyre fitter to check them for you before you use them.

 

[philepo]

Thanks for that people.

I will prob use the tyre as I drive a rusty merc on a student budget - and my sls amg is only for wk ends

 

[grober]

Not a good idea! What happens with old tyres is that left untouched they will look fine in appearance but start running them and the various internal layers may start to separate causing a sudden failure. Better with a new "cheap as chips " far east job that meets EC type approval http://www.btmauk.com/data/files/Tyre-noise-regulations-and-directives.pdf -altho I hate to say it.

 

[philepo]

ok thanks. will get the credit card out then.

 

[kwakdonut]

Tyres are your ONLY point of contact to the road. Penny-pinching is not an option in my book! Get some new tyres regardless of what they are

 

[wheels-inmotion]

My daily chariot is a 20yld Lotus Esprit, it has the original spare tyre ( unused ) in an emergency would i use it? Hell yes, would i use it for long...... Hell no.

 

[SAFC]

I'd use it but put it on the back for a while and see how it goes. Your only worry is a blow-out. If it does blow-out on the back then it'd probably be OK - by that I mean you'll have a better chance of survival than on the front. But why not leave it on the back to be safe(r)!!!

I've bought and used part worn tyres and they've been great - although I do use brand new Goodyears now.

From a safety point of view I'd always put the part-worns on the back and the "new" i.e. worn but worn by me, on the front. Safer that way.

I think you'll be OK to use it - just take it easy for starters.

 

[SAFC]

PS: I'm assuming that this tyre you're talking about has been out of the sunlight and kept dry for the period - right?
If not, and/or there's any cracking on the walls - dump it !!

 

[Stempies]

I'd use it but put it on the back for a while and see how it goes. Your only worry is a blow-out. If it does blow-out on the back then it'd probably be OK - by that I mean you'll have a better chance of survival than on the front. But why not leave it on the back to be safe(r)!!!

I've bought and used part worn tyres and they've been great - although I do use brand new Goodyears now.

From a safety point of view I'd always put the part-worns on the back and the "new" i.e. worn but worn by me, on the front. Safer that way.

I think you'll be OK to use it - just take it easy for starters.

Always thought that a rear blow out is more dangerous as it could put you in a spin!!
I've had a front go before & found it pretty easy to control!