I know it sounds crazy, but I still.have the original spare. Because it's been underneath the Envoy, It has no weather cracking. It looks new. I understand they oxidize and dry out. I'm just wondering if it would be Ok to run on for a few miles if I ever get a flat. Only long enough to get to a shop.
Would you trust a 24 year old spare?
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Check the MAX Air Pressure marked on the sidewall (60 PSI...?) Pump it up to that level and coat the entire rim and tire with Goopy Dish Soap Water ...looking for any permeable tire rubber breakdown and Attmo leaks.
In Rust Belt Regions... the Mild Steel Rim may accumulate abrasive Rust adjacent the Sidewall interface and become un-repairable once it starts leaking air.
If it Holds Air and NO BUBBLES appear anywhere on it ...including after daubing the Soapy Mixture all over and around the base of the Schrader Valve Spigot... it will probably be Okay for the LIMITED 50 Miles such tires should be kept under for Emergency Flat Service.
Get yourself a Tire Repair Kit to Fix the Standard Tubeless Tire as well and get it back on the SUV sooner than 50 Miles goes by as well and ... "See The USA...in Your Chevrolet..." once again after topping off All Four Tires and Spare with Proper PSI.
In Rust Belt Regions... the Mild Steel Rim may accumulate abrasive Rust adjacent the Sidewall interface and become un-repairable once it starts leaking air.
If it Holds Air and NO BUBBLES appear anywhere on it ...including after daubing the Soapy Mixture all over and around the base of the Schrader Valve Spigot... it will probably be Okay for the LIMITED 50 Miles such tires should be kept under for Emergency Flat Service.
Get yourself a Tire Repair Kit to Fix the Standard Tubeless Tire as well and get it back on the SUV sooner than 50 Miles goes by as well and ... "See The USA...in Your Chevrolet..." once again after topping off All Four Tires and Spare with Proper PSI.
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I'm in the same boat on my 07. It's in relatively new unused condition. That being said, I would use it but only at low speed and to get me to a garage or home.
But, I was going to take it off as we don't travel with it anymore except locally and we have CAA to tow it if needed. Would save weight and gas.
But, I was going to take it off as we don't travel with it anymore except locally and we have CAA to tow it if needed. Would save weight and gas.
Actually... @Mooseman is Kinda Right...
The Truth About Spare Tires: Does Removing It Save Gas? - Wiibook
The quest for better fuel economy is a relentless pursuit for many drivers. With fluctuating gas prices and a growing awareness of environmental impact, the search for even marginal improvements has become increasingly ... <a title="The Truth About Spare Tires: Does Removing It Save Gas?"...
wiibook.net
My vote, if I have one, is a big NO! Who's to say what you will be doing, driving on, speed at the time and road conditions, when it does come apart.
I happen to think that brakes are the most important part/system of any vehicle. BUT, brakes slow you down and tires are what stops you.
I happen to think that brakes are the most important part/system of any vehicle. BUT, brakes slow you down and tires are what stops you.
My original spare seemed to look ok upon first glance, but I decided to reaplace the tire. The tire tech said there was a lot of cracking on it when he dismounted it from the wheel. Might be a good idea to change the tire to at least a newer used one vs the 20yr old original. They should have dates codes on them.
Rubber breaks down over time. Even a drive belt can sit in the elements and break down and if driven, will break down sooner. That is why drive belts and timing belts have "time or mileage" whichever comes first, replacement standards. Hoses are included and even vacuum hoses...etc.
*IF* I were to use a 24 year old spare I would only do so as a last resort and I would put it in the rear, even if that meant I had to move a tire from the rear to the front first.
Ultimately, the question is not whether something could happen, but, rather, what are the consequences of that something happening.
That's why I always remount the best old tire as the spare when I get new tires installed.
Only the paranoid survive!
Ultimately, the question is not whether something could happen, but, rather, what are the consequences of that something happening.
That's why I always remount the best old tire as the spare when I get new tires installed.
Only the paranoid survive!