81 - 23 yr old factory spare tire safe?

[John Chesher]

I just dropped the spare on my '81. Probably first time in its life! Filled with air and it seems to be holding pressure. The tire is marked "For temporary use only.... not to exceed 50 MPH..." Does this appear to be the original tire for my car? Could a 23 yr old tire have any invisible deterioration that would make it unsafe, i.e., prone to blow out if used? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

[Duke W.]

Re: 81 - 23 yr old factory spare tire safe?

Look on the tire for a series of letters followed by a three digit number ending in zero or one. This is the manufacture date code - consecutive week of the year (first two digits) and the last digit is the year. (Beginning in 2000 date codes are four digits with the last two indicating the year.)

Carefully inspect the tire for surface cracks. Also feel for any bulges or other anamolies in the surface - sidewalls and tread.

Spares lead a pretty benign life. They don't get real hot, and they aren't exposed to direct UV, so chances are it's okay for spare use.

Duke

[Tom R.]

Re: 81 - 23 yr old factory spare tire safe?

John:

In all likelihood...you have a nice original "temporary" spare. It probably says it is a Good Year polyspare on a black rim.