Spare tire age

I bought a 2010 TT about 4 months ago. One of the things I checked was the tires. I suspected they were original and they all checked out to be 7 years old. Tread was excellent so I don't think they saw a lot of road use but the side walls on all were showing signs of cracking. I replaced 5 tires including the spare.
I agree to check the date code on the sidewall, carefully inspect the sidewalls and tread for any cracking. Raise tires off the ground and spin them to check for roundness or sidewall bubbles. Check the air valve for any cracking also.
For my own sense of relief I replace my trailer tires between 7-10 years or sooner if I see any deterioration.

If the tire set lasts I keep the spare for a couple times while I replace the others. Top line Goodyear LT tires on the truck have performed well so I just replaced the spare at 17 years.

If the set is junk like the DUROs, Denmans, and Maxxis I have had then I replace all at the same time including the spare.

How often do you change out that donut they call a spare on your car. Do you replace it every five years?

If you rotate your spare in with your other TV tires do you by a new spare and rotate it when you replace the tires? Or, do you just rotate the four new one and use the best of the old ones for your truck spare?

An unused tire is and unused tire be it car, truck, or trailer. Sun damage is a special case be it car, truck or trailer.

mobeewan wrote:
It's a spare. It's supposed to get you down the road until you can get a flat fixed or a replacement tire. You kept it covered. As long as it's doesn't have any sun damage, dry rot and holds air pretty well, no use buying a new spare. If your really worried and can afford it go ahead and do it, but keep the old spare. A few bucks more and you can get another rim too. Then you'll have two spares like I do.

x2 but would take into consideration if "down the road" is miles of SW US desert.

Long trips with distance between services means I want a better spare. Otherwise, let it sit. Alternatively you could rotate it into service with the others but for the cost of a new spare it may not be worth your time.

It's a spare. It's supposed to get you down the road until you can get a flat fixed or a replacement tire. You kept it covered. As long as it's doesn't have any sun damage, dry rot and holds air pretty well, no use buying a new spare. If your really worried and can afford it go ahead and do it, but keep the old spare. A few bucks more and you can get another rim too. Then you'll have two spares like I do.

I change the spare when I change the tires that are being used. Go by age, not use or mileage.

Many of us neglect our spare tire! I do check the air once at season start. A tire always fares best with use. Having the tire rolling, carrying some weight is good for it. If never used from new (mine), it could be your most aged out tire, after 5 years of hanging on the bumper.

Jerry

path1 wrote:
What is the collective wisdom when to replace a spare tire? Covered with Sun cover and obviously no weight on it. I suppose just being exposed to the air causes tire to break down.
When does spare tire "age out"?

Typical numbers I've seen is that tires age out in 4-5 years whether they are rolling or not. Manufacturers say anywhere from 6 to 10 years after date of manufacture so the 4-5 years probably lines up pretty well with the lower of that range given that most tires aren't fresh at purchase.