Have just had to replace a tyre on the Van that de laminated.(Van is 5 yrs old this month) Noticed the tread lifted in the centre when placing a chock in front of the wheel, (only one half of the tyre) caught it B4 it let go completely so no damage done fortunately. Got to thinking about the reason it gave up, this tyre spent the first 3-1/2 years of its life as the spare on the back bumper. It became a road tyre last year when we got a tech screw in a tyre north of the Alice. I think I can safely say that exposure to ultra violet from the Sun would be the culprit. Seems a good reason to have a cover on the spare.
Covering the spare will make little difference.
The first problem is being in used for a long time. That is not good for tyres.
The second problem is ozone (not sun) and all tyres suffer from that, covered or not.
7 - 10 years is considered the maximum safe life for a tyre. Not running it at all will significantly shorten that life.
Thanks for your comments, I based my conclusion on the fact that the spare had been on the bumper bar with Valve at the bottom for ease of checking, and the section of tread that let go was opposite the valve side of the tyre. My Van is not under cover at all unfortunately, so the spare is out in the elements at all times.
I was always taught to change tyre
(Ones that sit and not get much usage as on Trailers,Caravans. boats).
Every 6 to 7 yrs max.
The cars don't normally last that long.
I always have done. Just make sure you rotate all 5 every oil change on your car too.
The cars don't normally last that long.
The UV does do a lot of damage. and covers DO help.
I also have a strip of Ducting foam inside the cover too
to reflect the heat as we live up Central North where it's always hot.
Also.
RACQ mag has a page regularly in the monthly. for a free rotation of wheels.
I service our two cars every 10k. At different times.
and use the vouchers to rotate wheels with it..
So far in 10 yrs or so. I've never had to pay for a rotation.
Tyres have a date of manufacture on their sidewall in month and year. Tyres definitely have a life, usually around 6 years irrespective of being in use or not.
Covering the spare will make little difference. The first problem is being in used for a long time. That is not good for tyres. The second problem is ozone (not sun) and all tyres suffer from that, covered or not. 7 - 10 years is considered the maximum safe life for a tyre. Not running it at all will significantly shorten that life.
Cheers, Peter
Thanks for that information, Peter
I for one, was unaware that by not using the tyre for a longish period of time, its maximum life would then be shortened
I 'snipped' this from that site to save scrolling - however, read the whole article. It is informative.
So if you have a spare on the back of the van (or provided with the vehicle) unless you are storing them as stated they have limited life an that's a bit hard on the back of the van - or vehicle.
.... and just for old times sake, here's this again.
Cheers - John
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That was very enlightening - thanks guys - will check our tyres tomorrow.
From me too!!! I have a 2010 Toyota Hilux with now 39k (I have put 10k on it since I bought it earlier this year) so the tyres could be getting to their use by date ! They have about 40-50% tread left looks like.
I cover mine and use some sun UV protectant . Sun screen . It can also be a result of low tyre pressure . When using as we tend not to check tyre pressures on spare .
Just remember to rotate ALL 5 when doing it.
Every oil service is a good indicator
I check mine every top up. around fortnightly nowadays.
Spare hangs valve down to rear.
Simple to check.
When travelling. every coupla days at a top up.
My 2010 had 67k on when I bought.
Dunlop tyres.
Threw them away at first Bridgestone tyre dealer
b4 leaving Brissie for home.
Good decision said tyre bloke.
Then showed me how his lever went straight through all the individual tyre walls
without even trying. Frightening.
Do NOT buy Dunlop A\T Tyres. I'd heard of this b4. Plus seen a lot on tracks.
But the way lever went through wall. ALL of the tyres. was.
Really scary.