Never Used Your Spare Tire? Check Its Age Before a Flat

An unused spare is not automatically ready for the road. Tell Rick’s about its age and condition when requesting tire help.

As you prepare your car for Chicago’s colder months, include the spare in your checks. A tire that has spent years under the trunk floor can look barely used, yet still need replacement.

NHTSA’s TireWise guidance explains that tires age through changes in their materials, including during storage. Appearance alone cannot establish whether aging has made a tire unsuitable. NHTSA specifically flags spare tires because they are often overlooked.

The final four digits of the DOT Tire Identification Number show the manufacturing week and year. For example, 2318 means the 23rd week of 2018. The full number may appear on only one sidewall.

NHTSA notes that some vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend replacement at six to ten years regardless of treadwear. That range is not permission to use every tire until ten years. Follow the guidance for your vehicle and tire, and have questionable condition assessed by a tire professional. Cracks, bulges or failure to hold pressure also matter.

If reading the code would mean entering traffic, crawling under the car or struggling with a stuck carrier, leave that check for a safe location or professional assistance.

When requesting usable-spare installation, tell Rick’s whether the spare is original to the vehicle, whether its age is known and whether you have noticed damage or pressure loss. “Never used” is useful background, but it is not confirmation that installation is appropriate.

• Give the vehicle year, make and model.
• Say where the spare is stored and whether it is accessible.
• Report the date code if you can safely read it.
• Mention missing wheel-lock keys, damaged wheels or difficult lug nuts.

Do not replace an unusable road tire with a questionable spare simply to avoid a tow. Rick’s will assess the described situation and working space before confirming service.