When is a spare tyre too old

[Alf]

I’m off in a big trip across Europe in a couple of weeks and I’m checking through everything realise my spare tyre was made in 2002 so 22 years old! It’s in perfect condition never been used or subject to UV as it’s been in its cover in the boot the whole time. I would normally change tyres well with the 10 year limit for safety sake but don’t know if the same applies to a spare in this condition. Any one know if tyres just age, well with age and so I should replace it now, or if it’s still ok to use for a 2-3 weeks in the event of a puncture early in the journey?

[Cees Klumper]

Manufacturers and 'common opinion' seems to be to replace tires after about 10-12 years as they apparently 'dry out' with age.

That said, my Pagoda's Vredesteins are from 2009 and I have not brought myself to replace them yet. Same idea: always stored, no UV exposure, not worn etc but I do know I am 'pushing it.' On the plus side I don't drive on the highway anymore, everything is B-roads at relatively modest speeds and not all that far from home, so I am taking my chances.  Maybe next year.

[Mike Hughes]

A friend bought a quite nice garage-kept R107 450SL with maintenance records going back to the 70's in Florida last spring.  Tires were 10+ years old with no cracks and good tread and the seller reported he drove it regularly around town, so he decided to fly down to Florida and drive it home to Maryland. Eighty-five miles up I-95 from the seller's home one front tire blew out leaving a ribbon of tread behind.  He collected the ribbon, mounted the matching, unused spare and continued up the road.  Within an hour the steering wheel was vibrating, so he pulled over.  The tread of the newly mounted spare had separated about two thirds of the way around, but the tire was still holding air.  He had the car flat-bedded back to the seller's home, flew home to Maryland, returned a couple of weeks later with his truck and trailer and trailered it home.

[neelyrc]

Better safe than sorry! The spare should match the tires on the ground. 

When I last replaced my W113 tires in 2017, I purchased five tires. One of the new ones went in the trunk as a spare. 

I’m off to Europe for the summer in a few days so my driving season is over until December.  At the top of my upgrade list for next year is a new set of tires. Not that my present tires have excess mileage or have a consumed appearance or have excess UV exposure but I consider seven years about the limit for tires. I will be buying five again.

[Bshaunessy]

Having just done my own research AND replacing my 15 year old Michelins ( with only 1500 miles on them)with new in preparation for a 2500 km x 4 day x 70 car rally in British Columbia, I echo many of the comments above:
-tires "age " with time….UV light accelerates this but even out of the sun, the rubber compounds "age", and not gracefully
-I think 10 years is a good rule of thumb
- a set of tires for our Pagodas is under $1000 usd….this is cheap insurance for your expensive car and for your life!

[stickandrudderman]

When your stuck in the side of the road on the middle of Europe in the pouring rain waiting for a recovery truck you'll realise what a good investment that £200 tyre would have been.