If I used my (will be when I replace tires) 4 year old "never been used" spare and bought 3 new tires at that time. Does anyone see a problem using a tire that has been under your vehicle for 4 years on a on going basis with 3 new tires or would the rubber be compromised from being out in the elements (under the LX). Just wondering since these Pilot LTX's cost around $250 Per tire.
Spare - how old is too old?
- Thread starter SWUtah
- Start date
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Jim_Chow
V8_Fan
I heard somewhere that the limit on tires is about 6 yrs, whether you use them or not. If they are filled with nitrogen, they will supposedly last longer. Besides UV light, pollution, weather, etc. (exterior factors), some studies say tires start to break down from the inside due to moisture in the air. I'd get a set of 4 new tires and keep the spare as an emergency spare figuring you'll have to toss it next time or get 5 new tires and do a 5 tire rotation.
My spare is still the original dunlop. It's evident that the PO never mounted it, as I still found the round piece of paper and some plastic cap attached to the wheel where the wheel mounts to the cable attachment. My plan is to run the current bridgestone HT's down, then replace all 5 tires and do a 5 tire rotation. This way, at least all your tires are the same age and have the same wear.
My spare is still the original dunlop. It's evident that the PO never mounted it, as I still found the round piece of paper and some plastic cap attached to the wheel where the wheel mounts to the cable attachment. My plan is to run the current bridgestone HT's down, then replace all 5 tires and do a 5 tire rotation. This way, at least all your tires are the same age and have the same wear.
I had never used the spare either, I think you should get 4 new tires lol
Get four new tires. But at four years it should still serve well as a spare.
- Thread starter
- #6
Thanks guys that's how I was leaning, but incase I was wrong I didn't want to waste $250 on the extra tire.
Do you have one good tire remaining on the current set? Speaking for myself, I replace tires before they get really bad- I don't want to press my luck. Last year I just had the shop put my best tire up in the spare location-still had plenty of tread for an emergency, and installed four new ones- I'm too lazy for a five tire rotation.
- Thread starter
- #8
Just checked on the Brigstone H/L Alenza in the 285/60/18 size that is only 1 1/2% larger then the 275 size. Should not be a warranty concern. It cost around $175 per tire compared to the Michelin $245 per tire. So I can buy 5 new Alenza's for less then 4 new Michelins. The Alenza's are better rated and higher review numbers then the Michelins. Anyone think the dealer would "notice" or give me any crap when it came to a warranty claim over the 285's versus the 275's in the 60/18 size???
Jim_Chow
V8_Fan
Doubt it, 1.5% is pretty negligible. 3% is a maybe, as it's noticeably larger from looking at the side.
The chances that you will go to the dealer for any warranty work related to the tires is slim.
NMuzj100,
larger tires changes the speedo/odometer readings. So they could say he voided his warranty by messing with the overal diameter of the tires...which in theory extends his warranty. That service department would really have to pull a big one out of their behinds to pull that off. Maybe we should just stop talking about it so no dealers read any of this and wisen up
larger tires changes the speedo/odometer readings. So they could say he voided his warranty by messing with the overal diameter of the tires...which in theory extends his warranty. That service department would really have to pull a big one out of their behinds to pull that off. Maybe we should just stop talking about it so no dealers read any of this and wisen up
JohnnyC
Long ago TLCA# 2231
if you have a spare that is the same size as you 4 you drive on you should be rotating all 5 during a tire rotation this will extend the time that you do tire changes...although then you will need to replace 5 tires not just 4.
Jim_Chow
V8_Fan
This is what I prefer to do...the advantage is all 5 tires are the same age and have the same wear, so you never run into questions like how is the vehicle going to drive if 3 tires are 70% worn and one is new. Otherwise, use the current spare as a spare, get 4 new tires, and next time you change tires, discard the spare for a new one, have it filled w/ nitrogen to delay rubber breakdown.
I do the 5-tire rotation for the same reasons as listed above, plus I hate wasting anything. I figure, if I spend $250-300 on a tire and it just sits there and never gets used, and I have to throw it away after a few years for rot issues, I'd rather just rotate it in and get use out of it.
Jim_Chow
V8_Fan
Unfortunately, my LX came w/ factory chromes. Only problem is, Toyota only chromes 4 wheels, not the spare. So to run a 5 tire rotation, I have to have the spare chromed (about $170). It's more economical than discarding an unused spare every 6 yrs (I only drive about 10K mi/yr).
When you change from stock to a larger size it makes sense to just get 4 new and a servicable used tire for a spare. $35 will get you a very nice single tire with plenty of tread.
I guess, like most things, it depends on use as well. If the truck will only see road and light duty trail use, then having an off spare is fine. If, however, it will be tackling anything of moderate or greater difficulty, having the same aggressive spare (or two) as the other four tires may get you back home. First time I did Rubicon was on my spare (long story), but luckily it was the same MTR as the rest of the tires.
