Hi Mike,

It isn't the sunlight that kills the spare tire... it's the constant
stream of hot air from the radiator that cooks the rubber.

Back in 2008 we blew a tire on Dad's westy due to some debris on the
road. The spare was old... no idea how old exactly but we do know it was
there from before my Dad bought the van in 2004. Within an hour of
driving that tire started bumping, and within the next two hours after
that it threw the tread completely. Luckily it gave a bit of warning
before it completely delaminated and I was able to keep control of the
vehicle. I suppose it also helped that it was on the passenger side rear
when it went.

I'd suggest that the best way to handle this is to rotate your spare
back into service. That will spread out the exposure across three or
five tires and allow you to get full use from the tire before it is
damaged by the heat.

I wouldn't use that tire... the sidewall probably wouldn't hold up well.
At least that's been my experience.

Happy Trails,

Greg Potts
Toronto, Ontario Canada
197x Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
1987 Wolfsburg Weekender Hardtop (ND Graphics graphics wrap)
1988 Wolfsburg Weekender Hardtop (Colleen's ride)
www.pottsfamily.ca

BUSES OF THE CORN - AUGUST 13-15th, 2010
www.busesofthecorn.ca

On 9/13/2010 9:48 PM, Michael A. Radtke wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I was filling and checking my tires today and I was surprised to find
> the spare flat.
> SNIP
> So, what caused this problem? All the leaks are on the side that was
> up. My first thought was rust, but I live in Phoenix and we get little
> rain. Besides, the rim doesn't look rusty. Do other Vanagon owners see
> the same problem with old spares?

SNIP
> Information and advice please?