I've had the Octy since new (6 years) and the spare wheel has never been used or even taken out. It has a 205/60 x 15 Michelin Primacy Pilot tyre fitted from factory. Can anyone tell me if this tyre would still be good to use or would I need to change it?

It would probably be OK, as it's not been exposed to UV light, but I'd use it as a spare for emergencies. For piece of mind I'd buy a new one. Unless you've got another spare wheel from another Octy, then you won't be able to buy another matching tyre. I too have a Michelin Primacy Pilot from 2004 as a spare in my boot.

Come to think of it, I wonder what a 16 year old tyre is like that's in my dads car boot. The only difference with that is it's a skinny space saver.

Edited 5 October, 201213 yr by Jim H

Thanks for reply.

I have changed all my wheels to Zeniths 17" and my spare is the original Helios 15". Really want another Zenith as a spare but I doubt it will fit in wheel well without raising the floor.

Take a good look inside the tread for signs of the rubber cracking, if there are no significant cracks then it will be fine.

Take a good look inside the tread for signs of the rubber cracking, if there are no significant cracks then it will be fine.

+1 - My spare is 10YO, has never been mounted on a road position, and normally lives under 2 light-proof covers.

Cooper/Avon state the following rather rambling statement re tyre life;

"Cooper recommends that all tyres, including full-size spares, that are 10 or more years from their date of manufacture, be replaced with new tyres and that no tyre over 6 years old should be put into service.

Tyre service life is not determined by chronological age. The useful life of a tyre is a function of service and storage conditions. For each individual tyre, this service life is determined by many elements such as temperature, storage conditions, and conditions of use (e.g., load, speed, inflation pressure, impacts and road hazard damage) to which a tyre is subjected throughout its life. Since service and storage conditions vary widely, accurately predicting the service life of any specific tyre based on calendar age is not possible.

Cooper Tire is not aware of scientific or technical data that establishes or identifies a specific minimum or maximum service life for passenger and light truck tyres.

Under no circumstances should a "maximum" service life recommendation for a tyre be considered as an "expected" service life. Tyres must be removed from service for several reasons, including tread worn down to minimum depth, signs of damage (cuts, cracks, bulges, impact damage, vibration, etc.) or signs of abuse (underinflation, overloading, improper repair, etc.).

In some cases a vehicle manufacturer may make a recommendation for tyre replacement earlier than 10 years for their products based upon their understanding of the specific vehicle characteristics and application. If so, the consumer should follow those vehicle manufacturer's specific recommendations for their vehicle."

From my own experience fitted tyres that are around the 5 to 6 year mark start to deteriorate; with excessive perishing cracks, bulges in the side wall, carcass distortion etc. and these are leading brand tyres that have spent their life as follow me tyres on the rear axle.

Would think as a get you home spare you may get another year or two out of it.

TP