Tired tyres

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Tired tyres

I think I have read either in your column or other parts of the motoring press that tyres degrade with age and that as a result not all spare tyres are actually roadworthy. How can I tell if my spare is ok? My Celica currently has 4 Michelin Pilot Primacys on it, and an original (2002) Yokohoma spare. One of the Michelins is worn (a front one - the other front one was replaced due to damage after a year) and I'm not sure whether to put the Yokohoma on instead. Or should I play safe and buy a new tyre, maybe a Pirelli P6000 or P7?

Asked on 21 February 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

If tyres are kept out of ultraviolet light they can be stored for long
periods. So spare tyres in boot wells are nothing like as vulnerable as road tyres on wheels, which generally have a 'safe' life of around 5 years from first exposure to the sun. Any cracking of the sidewalls and the tyres should be replaced.

Tags: wheels and tyres technical issues owning

Similar questions

Are the known tyre sensor faults on my Renault Clio grounds for it to be replaced?

I have a 2015 Renault Clio with approx 18 months warranty remaining. I've had persistent trouble with the tyre sensors malfunctioning and have had three new tyres already. The dealer says it's a fault...

Can worn tyres put enough pressure on the transfer box to crack the casing?

The transfer box on my 2013 Vauxhall Antara requires replaced as the bearing exploded and cracked open the casing. The garage have informed me that although all my tyres are well above the legal limit,...

Winter tyres - which size?

I have a Ford Fiesta with 195/50/R16 tyres. The full size spare is 175/65/R14. This will be a long term ownership, so I am happy if it is necessary to purchase a set of wheels for my winter tyres. If...