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

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