Disturbing video!

I was sent this link from a relation in USA.

Bearing in mind the effect that sun has on tyres here, I think it very important to take the information on board!!

My car is six years old and the spare has never been used.

I am booked in tomorrow to have four new tyres fitted and was going to have the spare brought into service. Now, I am not so sure?

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4826897

If your car is six years old, the chances are (despite what car you have) the spare is only a "space saver" type of tyre.  This type allows a maximum speed of 50 mph and would only last you a short journey of approx 30 miles and then to be discarded - not to be used again.  Incidentally, did you read the code (as shown on the video) to establish the age of your tyres, and will you check the code before purchasing your new tyres?

I am always a bit paranoid when it comes to tyres, seeing as they are you're only contact with the road. 

That's why I never buy cheap imports.  It's worth paying the extra for a decent tyre.

Aged tyres are a problem and most people forget to check.  In fact, I got a puncture recently and put the space saver spare on and, on a two year old car, the spare was a little flat!  So it's probably good to check now and then to make sure the spare is still pumped up properly.

Justin

That clip was worrying! It's bad enough having a blow out in a car, but look at the amount of trucks on our roads in both UK and Spain. This should form part of the MOT or TUV inspection. Now I know why there is so much tyre debri littering our motorways. Thank Pilgrim for this posting.

jimbofinn,

yes, I checked my tyres. They were manufactured in 5003. (fiftieth week in 2003 and the code was on the outside). I bought the car new in March 2004, so that all checks out fine.

However, when I get to the tyre company this morning, I will ask "que años el neumaticos, por favor?"

If they decline to tell me or let me see for myself, they will have lost a sale!

It appears that allegedly, most Spanish tyre fitters poo-poo all that "basura".

I will report back!!

Hi all,

If you want to receive some honest advice about your tyre tread, wear, tear and perishability due to the sun, please contact Steve at www.Tyres-2-u.com.  He has been based on the CDS for three years and can offer you all the information you need about current legislations for your tyres.  They are the most important item on your car!! +34676186499

Hope this helps!

Sam

OK! Went to the tyre company this morning. Apprehensively asked if I could view the new tyres to check their age?

"Of course, ningun problema". The date code said 4009. Shangrila!! That means it was manufactured in the fortieth week  (October) of 2009.

The other three tyres were identical.

Very pleased with the service and efficiency of the company.

I have heard that some ITV inspection facilities take a note of the tyre codes and refuse to pass vehicles with tyres over six years old. This is only hearsay, so may be incorrect?

By the way, Jimbofinn,

my spare is a normal tyre, encased and stored on the back door of the RAV4.

It should have rotated periodically and brought into service but I did not do that, with no detrimental effect, to my knowledge.