Replace 15yo spare tire? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

jmp0126 · 11-20-2010, 12:52 AM

Hi TNers,

I did a search but didn't find what I was looking for. The fullsize spare tire in my 95 Camry was never used. Should I buy a new one to replace it or just leave it as is? The outside of the tire shows no cracks or signs of going bad. I just don't want to take a chance of using it if it comes to that. Thanks to all for your input.

uibalnme · 11-20-2010, 01:01 AM

replace it asap. better safe than sorry. just go to sears, and get the cheapest tire that will fit the rim. no need to go high dollar, it's just a spare after all.

jmp0126 · 11-20-2010, 01:09 AM

Thanks uibalnme! I'll do that this weekend.

***TrailDust*** · 11-20-2010, 01:11 AM

Agreed. Even without any UV damage, heating cycles will turn the rubber more brittle over time even if there's no visible surface cracking. 15 years is time to get a new one, it's worth it.

Yuko · 11-20-2010, 04:59 PM

Another options is to get good used tire about 2-3 years old. A used tire shop or Discount Tires will have some good used ones. About $20-30 installed. IMO, it's not worth $60+ on a new tire since it's a spare. Or wait until you need new tires and use one of your old ones as the spare? Just giving options. Nothing wrong with geting a new tire when that's the best choice.

Also, there's a date code on every tire for example "DOT xxxx xx 3408" the last four digits means made in the 34th week of 2008.

***LynchburgCSI*** · 11-20-2010, 07:10 PM

^ VERY good advice. ESP with the date codes. Heck, I always buy used for my spares.

zppeacock · 11-20-2010, 07:30 PM

My older camry 1990 wagon, still has the factory full size spare.

***LynchburgCSI*** · 11-20-2010, 07:55 PM

^ REPLACE it.

***Zembonez*** · 11-20-2010, 07:57 PM

It would probably be OK for a short run to the tire shop, but any trip on the highway might result in a failure. I'd replace it with a cheapo new one.

zppeacock · 11-20-2010, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

^ REPLACE it.

I don't see a reason to replace a factory spare, unless is serverly weather cracked or doesn't hold air. You only use them temporally.

swagger_wagon468 · 11-20-2010, 11:56 PM

u might not see a reason to replace cuz there is no cracks etc... but i used my factory spare. not EVER used. not even once. i was going 45. (fastest i had gone on it) and all of a sudden, the tread peeled completely off. so, yes there is a reason to replace!