10 years?! It's no good. I actually had a spare blow out when stowed. Tires
are perishable, and in Southern AZ the
 evidence is everywhere, especially when it gets a little warm.

Here, tires don't last long, but 10 years is enough to kill any spare.
Safety first.

On Mon, Sep 13, 2010 at 7:45 PM, Bruce Todd <beeceetee@gmail.com> wrote:

> I would also check the rubber valve stem (not the valve) by pushing on the
> sides on the stem in several directions.  For me it was a cause of several
> flats - including my spare.
>
> BT
>
> On Mon, Sep 13, 2010 at 6:48 PM, Michael A. Radtke <wa7zpu@cisaz.com>
> wrote:
>
> > Hello,
> >
> > I was filling and checking my tires today and I was surprised to find
> > the spare flat.
> >
> > My spare is at least 10 years old, and is in excellent shape since it
> > has been off the road and out of the UV all this time.  It became a
> > spare as a lightly used tire and I've never needed it.  When I did a
> > quick check for what could be leaking, I found that the bead to steel
> > rim seal was leaking in a lot of spots.
> >
> > 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?
> >
> > How do I fix the tire?  I am uncomfortable with just remounting it if I
> > don't know what the cause was.  I could put a radial tube in it.  This
> > is a spare.  I just need it to work in an emergency for a relatively
> > short distance.
> >
> > Information and advice please?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Mike   '84 GL since new --- Phoenix, AZ
> >
>

--
Bill Gibson
Tempe, Arizona, USA