Spare tyre 20 years old?

[Dale Stevens]

A recent inspection of the space saving Continental spare tyre for our 2003 CLK240 revealed it is the original 2003 tyre that came with the car, so almost 20 years old.
It appears unused, and whilst I realise it's not been exposed to daylight or weather, I'm considering getting it changed for a new one.
Anyone else changed their spare tyre due to its age?

 

[GeoffB]

Hi Dale,

Hmmmmm, that is a difficult one based on the condition and lack of use. If it was me, I would replace the tyre to eliminate any risk of perishing that’s not visible to the naked eye. Circa £50 would buy peace of mind at least.

In the motorcycle world the general consensus is to replace tyres at 10 years old.

Cheers

Geoff

 

[Dale Stevens]

Best price I can find online for like tyre is £79 fitted through Balckcircles. Lots of online tyre suppliers don't sell the 90% aspect of the 125/90 size tyre, with 80 being their maximum.

I'm used to having to change otherwise perfectly good tyres due to their age. I have a touring caravan where tyres should be changed at approx 5yrs, but I suppose there are only two tyres taking all the weight and they often sit unused most of their life.

 

[GeoffB]

Ask yourself this, do you feel lucky?…

 

[davidsl500]

You could get yourself a can of tyre sealant whilst searching for a tyre. At least that gives you another option for peace of mind.

 

[DREAMER NO2]

Dale Yes the spare in my boot is a Continental, and that one is 32 years old ,, it as never been on the car . .

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

UV perishes tyres and as long as it’s stored dry and dark there is very little degradation. I once remember visiting the Battle of Britain hangar in Lincolnshire and all the aircraft tyres were covered which speaks volumes. I certainly wouldn’t test the top speed of a car fitted with it but for normal get you home I don’t see a problem I’ve never renewed a spare and I keep a car a long time

 

[Blobcat]

UV perishes tyres and as long as it’s stored dry and dark there is very little degradation. I once remember visiting the Battle of Britain hangar in Lincolnshire and all the aircraft tyres were covered which speaks volumes. I certainly wouldn’t test the top speed of a car fitted with it but for normal get you home I don’t see a problem I’ve never renewed a spare and I keep a car a long time

My thoughts exactly

 

[rifiki]

UV perishes tyres and as long as it’s stored dry and dark there is very little degradation. I once remember visiting the Battle of Britain hangar in Lincolnshire and all the aircraft tyres were covered which speaks volumes. I certainly wouldn’t test the top speed of a car fitted with it but for normal get you home I don’t see a problem I’ve never renewed a spare and I keep a car a long time

These skinny spare wheel on my CLK has a max speed of 50MPH.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

These skinny spare wheel on my CLK has a max speed of 50MPH.

My reference was more inclined to old school full sized spare but the inference remains the same

 

[DREAMER NO2]

Some of us with older cars hang on to them . I have had so many cars in the past i could write a book . And i dont want another one .As for new cars you cant work on them every job is a dealers hand rub .They love to see you on the forecourt . Tires on my first car were bald.. And as long as there were no white cords showing you were good to go .