Mechanics, does my car's spare tire age out?
Tires are supposed to age out after 5 years or so. My spare tire is over 10. Does it need to be replaced?
Tires are supposed to age out after 5 years or so. My spare tire is over 10. Does it need to be replaced?
Yes, a good mechanic cycles the tires every service, and recommends switching all 5 before end of life. I've had better luck though convincing my clients to start changing tires one tire at a time starting 1.5 years before end of life at every service. Since a lot of clients don't like shelling money for all 5 at the same time.
It's been 9 years since I've been a mechanic, so take my advice for what you will.
What if its a doughnut spare?
Then you still have to replace it. You just won’t put it in the rotation.
I can understand replacing 1 axle at a time if the tires aren’t cross rotated, but one new tire and one old tire on the rear axle will lead to some odd fishtailing under emergency braking…
Yes, it needs to be replaced at this point. A spare will last a little longer than regular tire as long as it's protected from the sun, but after 10 years, it's time to replace it.
Yes.
Not a mechanic but even if it is technically too old you maybe be fine if you keep it and in the event you get a flat simply replace the flat with a new tire, after getting to a tire shop on the spare.