Is a 10-Year-Old Spare Tire Still Good?

In most cases, no—a 10-year-old spare tire should be considered expired and replaced, even if it looks unused. Tire makers generally advise replacing tires no later than 10 years from the date of manufacture (and many automakers urge replacement closer to six years). Aging rubber, heat, and ozone degrade tires over time, making old spares more likely to fail when you need them most.

What experts and manufacturers recommend

Guidance varies slightly by source, but the consensus is clear: time—not tread—sets the safe life of a tire, including spares. Here’s how major voices frame it.

• Tire manufacturers (e.g., Michelin, Continental): recommend professional inspections starting around five years and replacement at 10 years from the date of manufacture, regardless of appearance or tread depth.
• Automakers (e.g., Ford and others in service bulletins): have advised replacing tires after about six years, particularly in hot climates, even if tread remains.
• U.S. safety regulators (NHTSA): do not set a hard expiration date but warn that older tires are more failure-prone and advise following vehicle and tire maker guidance; heat and storage conditions accelerate aging.

Taken together, these positions put a 10-year-old spare at or beyond the generally accepted end of life, with even less tolerance for compact “donut” spares.

Why age matters—even for an unused spare

Rubber compounds and the bonds inside a tire degrade with time. Spares often sit unmonitored, and conditions can quietly accelerate damage.

• Oxidation and ozone exposure harden rubber and can cause sidewall cracking (“dry rot”).
• Heat (especially in trunks, SUVs, or underbody mounts) speeds chemical breakdown and weakens internal belts.
• Underbody spares face road spray, salt, UV, and debris; trunk spares face heat cycles and neglect.
• Compact spares run very high pressure (often 60 psi), and long-term pressure loss plus aging compounds risk when finally used.

Even if the tire looks fine, microscopic degradation increases the chance of tread/belt separation and blowouts—risks that rise sharply with age.

How to tell the real age of your spare

Don’t guess based on vehicle age or tire appearance. Use the DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN) on the sidewall to find when the tire was made.

1. Locate the DOT code: it starts with “DOT” and ends in four digits on one sidewall (you may need to check the inward-facing side).
2. Read the last four digits: the first two are the week, the last two the year. Example: “2415” = 24th week of 2015.
3. Compare to today’s date: if it’s 6–10 years old, it’s due or overdue; at 10 years, most manufacturers consider it unserviceable.
4. Also scan for cracks, bulges, flat spots, or cord exposure and verify recommended pressure on the sidewall or in the owner’s manual.

If your spare dates back a decade—or you can’t confirm its age—plan on replacement before you need it roadside.

If your only option is a 10-year-old spare

If you must use an aged spare in an emergency, minimize stress and distance, then replace it immediately.

• Inspect quickly for visible cracks, bulges, or severe dry rot; if present, don’t use it—call for roadside assistance.
• Inflate to the labeled pressure (compact spares are often 60 psi); never exceed the tire’s stated load rating.
• Drive conservatively: typically under 50 mph and for no more than 50–70 miles (check your tire’s sidewall/owner’s manual).
• Avoid highways, heavy loads, potholes, and high ambient heat; steer gently and watch for vibration or pulling.
• Head directly to a tire shop to repair/replace the main tire and retire the old spare.

These precautions reduce—but do not eliminate—the heightened risk of failure from an aged tire.

Replacement and maintenance tips

Choosing and caring for a new spare improves safety and convenience when trouble strikes.

• Match specifications: use the exact size, load, and speed rating your vehicle requires. For compact spares, buy the correct “T-type” size.
• Consider a full-size spare if space allows; it can be rotated into the set and driven normally, improving redundancy.
• Store smart: keep spares cool, dry, and out of direct sun; protect underbody spares with periodic cleaning and corrosion checks.
• Check pressure monthly: compact spares often require 60 psi and lose air over time; add it to your regular maintenance routine.
• Date awareness: note the DOT week/year when installed; plan inspection after five years and replacement by 10 years (or six in harsh climates).

Following these steps ensures your next emergency isn’t compounded by a spare that can’t safely do its job.

Costs and availability

Expect roughly $120–$250 for a typical passenger full-size tire (plus mounting/balancing), $50–$150 for a basic steel wheel if needed, and $150–$400 for a compact spare kit (tire, wheel, jack, and tools). Prices vary by vehicle, size, and brand; SUVs and performance vehicles often cost more.

Bottom line

A 10-year-old spare tire is at or beyond its safe service life and should be replaced. While it might roll in a pinch, the risk of failure rises sharply with age—especially for compact “donut” spares. Verify the DOT date, err on the side of safety, and keep a fresh, properly inflated spare so it’s ready when you need it most.

Summary

Most tire makers set 10 years as an absolute maximum age and many automakers recommend replacement closer to six years. Aging, heat, and ozone degrade rubber whether the tire is used or not. Check the DOT date code; if your spare is around 10 years old, replace it. If forced to use an aged spare briefly, keep speeds low, distances short, and go straight to a tire shop.