Should I replace my 16 year old spare?

i just recently dropped my spare and realized from the sidewall that the tire is 16 years old. I’m just worried that if I get stranded with a flat, that the spare will also fail me and leave me double stranded. Should I swap it?

 

Yes.

 

Yes. I replace my spare every time I buy new tires with the best old tire. If you're not in need of new tires soon then you should be able to pick up a used one less than 5-6 years old from a tire shop for $30-$40 mounted and balanced.

 

Definitely

10yrs is the typical limit on tire age. The rubber breaks down and can be dangerous. A cheap, even used, newer tire is a way better bet than a 16yr old tire

 

Unfortunately the answer is yes do replace the tire. As pointed out 10 years is the limit. Most tire stores will not mount a tire over 10 years old.

You can probably pick up a used spare for less than a new tire, you already know how to date them.

 

Holds air? Its fine, its only going to see 100 miles typically.

I'm a tech and we rarely see the old spare's have issues. They are hidden from sunlight so they have a lot less dry rot.

If you plan on a cross country tour, sure change it, but honestly I'd leave it.

 

I agree it should just be something to get to the next tire shop, but I’m making some pretty frequent trips to across texas with some pretty large stretches of nothin. Honestly I’m thinking at this point that the new tire price is worth the made up sleep.