Time for new tires on the TRD Sport

So I am about to get my first set of new tires on the '12. I was going to get the Hankook Dynapro ATMs on all 4, but just looked under the bed at the spare. It seems to be a full size spare of the same model that came with the truck.

So I was thinking I may just get 3 more of the OEM Dunlops and trade one of the older ones with the spare, which hasn't been touched. This way I'll have a full set of brand new matching tires on the sport wheels, and an older tire on the steel spare, which will only see probably 50 miles at a time, if ever used. And I'll save some money by replacing only three this go-round. Is there anything wrong with doing this? I.e. can tires go bad just sitting on the spare wheel for four years?

I'd ask the tire shop I have an appointment with, but I'm afraid they'll just tell me what I need to hear to spend more money at their shop. Not that I distrust them, but at least none of you stand to make any money off me if I buy four instead of three tires!

 

Here's an article on tire aging.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=138

I think you will be OK using the spare with 3 new tires. Save some $$$ for other mods to the truck.

 

My rule is 5 years or older and the tire simply doesn't perform. That said I live in an area where people demand more from their tires.

I'm assuming you live in Socal, so you mostly worry about wet performance and standard on road performance.

The OEM Dunlops are easily considered one of the worst tires available for the Tacoma, but if you found the first set to be ok, there's no reason to upgrade to a new all terrain set.

If you do 99% on road, stick with a H/T tire of better reputation, like the Toyo H/T or the Michelin Latitude etc...Much quieter, better tread life and superior performance.

 

I don't like throwing money away either, but have you noticed your tires break free easily when taking off from a stop. The stock Dunlops have a reputation of terrible traction wet or dry. I would look into other brands, and yes I had them.

 

Im sure theyre not the best tires, but I never really had a problem with them. Maybe a hydroplane here and there, but I've never lost control. I was really excited about the Hankooks, but i think I'd be even more excited about saving $150 or so. I'll have to talk to the shop and see what they'd charge to swap it over to one of the other wheels.

 

Do what you want, but I hate it when people try to cheap out on THE MOST IMPORTANT component on a vehicle next to the brakes. The most high end sports car is nothing without tires that can match the performance.

That being said, you're talking about having 3 tires that are brand new and one that is 4-5 years old. If that "old" tire blows due to hardening of the rubber, cracks in the sidewall, etc. most tire shops will insist on selling you 2 new tires so they match wear-wise and now you've purchased 5 new tires. I know there are independent shops that will replace one but most big places have 2 at a time policies.

My 2 cents...ditch the Dunlops and pick up some Michelins or Coopers.

Plus, I guarantee that spare is nice and brown from Ozone exposure and you'll have 3 nice black ones and one you can tell is old no matter how much you scrub it or spray it with tire foam. Just saying.

 

Yeah I think I'll just go with the Hankooks. They got the same rating as the Michelins for AT tires on consumer reports.

How often are you guys replacing the spares if never used?

 

To be honest, I don't think I've ever replaced a spare on a vehicle I've owned. Maybe once on a Jeep when I put bigger tires on and figured the spare should at least match the size.

 

just wanted something different