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Spare tires are an afterthought until they aren’t. If you’ve ever been stuck with a flat in the middle of nowhere (hand raised) or on the side of a busy road, you understand the need for a fully functioning spare tire. It can be a literal lifeline that can get you back on the road and out of harm’s way. Don’t wait until you need your spare to make sure it works and you know how to use it.
How long do spare tires last?
Here’s the short answer: Most spare tires last between six and ten years, whether you’ve used them or not.
That might come as a surprise, especially since many spares spend their entire lives tucked away in a trunk or mounted under a vehicle without ever touching the road. But like any tire, rubber degrades over time, even if it’s never been driven on.
Why spare tires expire (even if they look new)
Tires are made of rubber compounds that naturally break down over time. Exposure to heat, moisture, and temperature swings causes the rubber to dry out and lose flexibility. As that happens, the tire becomes more prone to cracking and structural weakness.
Even if your spare looks brand new, it can still be unsafe if it’s too old.
Storage conditions play a big role in how quickly a spare tire ages. Tires stored inside a trunk are somewhat protected, but they still experience heat buildup, especially in warmer climates. Spares mounted underneath a vehicle are exposed to road debris, moisture, and constant temperature changes, which can accelerate deterioration.
How to check the age of your spare tire
The most reliable way to determine whether your spare is still safe is to check its manufacturing date.
Every tire sold in the United States has a Department of Transportation (DOT) code stamped on the sidewall. The first two numbers indicate the week, and the last two numbers are the year the tire was manufactured. For example, a code ending in 2519 means the tire was manufactured in the 25th week of 2019.
If your spare tire is 6- to 10-years-old, it’s time to start planning a replacement, regardless of how it looks.
It’s worth noting that the full DOT code is often printed on only one side of the tire, so you may need to reposition the spare or look underneath the vehicle to find it.
The different types of spare tires and their lifespan
The type of spare tire you have affects both how long it lasts and how it should be used.
A full-size spare is essentially identical to the tires already on your vehicle. It follows the same aging rules and typically lasts six to ten years. If it has been properly maintained and is in good condition, it can be driven without the speed and distance limitations associated with smaller spares. You'll often see these mounted on the back of Jeeps and Land Rovers, as a full-size spare is necessary when you get a flat that can't be repaired, and you're a hundred miles from the nearest tire shop.
A compact spare, often called a “donut,” is designed strictly for temporary use. While it can last up to 10 years if stored well, it is not built for long-term driving. "Abide by the 50/50 rule: travel no more than 50 miles at speeds under 50 mph. Once those limits are reached, or if a full-size spare’s tread depth reaches 2/32-inches, the tire must be replaced to protect both your safety and your drivetrain," says Ian McKenney, senior product manager at Bridgestone Americas.
According to Consumer Reports, about 45% of new cars do not come with a spare tire. Some vehicles come equipped with run-flat tires instead of a spare, which continue to function for a limited distance after a puncture, while other vehicles without a spare may include a sealant kit. Make sure you check what your vehicle is equipped with and know how to use it.
How often should you check your spare?
A spare tire should be included in your regular vehicle maintenance routine. Checking it twice a year is a good baseline, and it’s especially important before long road trips.
At a minimum, you should confirm that the tire is properly inflated. Many spare tires, especially compact ones, require higher air pressure than standard tires, so it’s important to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. You should also look for visible signs of aging, such as cracks in the sidewall or tread deformation.
One of the most common problems drivers encounter during a roadside emergency is discovering that their spare tire is flat. A quick check a couple of times a year can prevent that situation entirely.
When should you replace your spare tire?
A spare tire should be replaced if it is more than six to ten years old, shows visible signs of cracking or damage, or cannot hold proper air pressure. Age alone is enough to justify replacing a tire, even if it appears to be in good condition.
If you have used a compact spare beyond its recommended speed or distance limits, it should not be relied on again and should be replaced.
Don’t overlook the tools
Even a brand-new spare tire won’t do you much good if you can’t install it. It’s important to make sure your vehicle has a working jack, a lug wrench that fits your wheel nuts, and any necessary key to lock the lug nuts.
If you’ve never changed a tire before, taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the process at home can make a stressful roadside situation much more manageable.
You can't always count on roadside assistance to be available when and where you need it, so being vigilant about checking your spare and knowing how to use it can pay dividends.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
