Do tires go bad?

[MileHighRover]

I still have my original spare tire on the back of my 99 DII, is it still going to be good if I have to use it?

I say "sure" my neighbor say's "oh no". Who is right?

[1hank1]

DOT recommends 6-years from build date. The build date is molded into the tire.

IMO, it depends on the conditions. If it was covered and garaged, it's probably good to go. If it sat in the sun a lot, it's only good for a fish reef.

[DRaider90]

[quote=1hank1;290510]DOT recommends 6-years from build date. The build date is molded into the tire.

IMO, it depends on the conditions. If it was covered and garaged, it's probably good to go. If it sat in the sun a lot, it's only good for a fish reef.[/QUOT

Tires by around year 4 are breaking down, and as by DOT standards by year 6 should be disposed of (as mentioned above). Keep an eye for dry rot/cracking on the outside of the tire. But even if its not dry rotted it doesn't mean its not breaking down on the inside.

Here is a link to reading the build date on a tire:

Tire Tech Information - Determining the Age of a Tire

[stolenheron]

hell yes they can go bad. i put my 6 year old spare goodyear on the back of my rover for about 1200 miles. the tire turned into a lumpy, mishapen mess within bout 300 miles into that stint. i was driving on a rhombus or oval or some random other shape and it was horrible.

if u wanna put on the spare for a short stint of time at low speeds/low mileage, go ahead, you'll be fine. but any high speed or high mileage on an original spare (of that age) i'd say no.

[LebaneseShowoff]

tires expire after 5-6 years, there's a number on your tire that tells what month and year it was made.

[mbrummal]

Originally Posted by LebaneseShowoff

tires expire after 5-6 years, there's a number on your tire that tells what month and year it was made.

It tells the week of the year and the year.