Does anyone know what the lifespan of a spare tire is?

I have an 02 that I bought used and it has the original unused GY tire for the spare. I have long switched out brands and at the time I didnt buy one for the spare but now I'm wondering if I should replace it due to it's age. I think I saw something on the news or on the internet about rotating your spare (how it hangs on the truck) to prevent bulges or something and I have never done any of that so I thought I would ask. It still looks brand new and there is no dry rot.


Also, how do tire covers play into this? I use one now to "protect" the spare from the elements but I took it off the other day to clean it (long over due) and noticed that there was a lot of leaves and mud and stuff stuck in the bottom of the cover. So I was wondering if it was better to uncover it and let rain/mud and stuff roll off instead of possibly collecting in the bottom?


I have yet to have to use the spare tire in the year that I have owned the Jeep (knock on wood) but if there comes a time that I do have to, I want to have the warm and fuzzy feeling that it will be ok. Even if it's only to get me to the tire place to get a new one.

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2002 Liberty Limited 4X4 (Pre-Lowered)
Patriot Blue
Luxury Package (All the bells and whistles)
245/70/16 Cooper Discoverer ATR's

the spare's biggest enemy is UV light from our friend, The Sun.
if you don't park in a garage during the day, it's best to have a spare cover...
i wouldn't think dirt and moisture would hurt as much as sunlight, but it couldn't hurt to clean out your tire cover more often... your spare wheel will thank you for that if not the tire.

Mark

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Thanks Mark! I will keep it on seeing as I only have the KJ in the shade about 50% of the time.

Any idea of the lifespan of an unused spare?

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2002 Liberty Limited 4X4 (Pre-Lowered)
Patriot Blue
Luxury Package (All the bells and whistles)
245/70/16 Cooper Discoverer ATR's