10 year old spare tires

[100%Saab]

I had a nail removed today by Discount Tire. They noticed that my never used spare tire was made in 2007 and therefore older than 10 years. They suggested replacing it for safety reasons. The spare in the trunk looks like a new tire. Furthermore Pirelli no longer makes a T 125 85 R16 and no one else does either. Any suggestions? Has anyone had a problem and what are you replacing the spare with? Kumho makes a T 125 80 R16 which was suggested by Discount as a replacement.

[100%Saab]

A new Pirelli 125/85R16 to replace the original is definitely not available. (Watch out for used spares on Ebay.) A full size spare 215/55R16 does not fit the tire space in the trunk.
Other available spare tires include:
125/80R16 (Kumho tires), 125/90R16 (Continental), and 135/80R16 (Yokohama).
Obviously none of the replacements match the specs of the original Pirelli spare tire. The new Pirelli spare tire is 18 inches.
Any thoughts on the best solution?

Size	Diameter	Width	Rim Range	Measured Rim	Tread Depth	Load Range	Max Load	Max psi	Max Speed	Weight	Sidewall Letters	Revs/Mile
T125/85R16 99M SL BSW	24.4"	4.9"	3-4"	3.5"	NA	Standard Load	1709 lbs	60 psi	81 mph	12 lbs	Black	852

Size	Diameter	Width	Rim Range	Measured Rim	Tread Depth	Load Range	Max Load	Max psi	Max Speed	Weight	Sidewall Letters	Revs/Mile
T125/80D16 97M SL BSW	24.3"	5.2"	4-4"	4"	4/32"	Standard Load	1609 lbs	60 psi	81 mph	9 lbs	Black	855

Size	Diameter	Width	Rim Range	Measured Rim	Tread Depth	Load Range	Max Load	Max psi	Max Speed	Weight	Sidewall Letters	Revs/Mile
T125/90R16 98M SL BSW	24.9"	5"	3-4"	3.5"	3/32"	Standard Load	1653 lbs	60 psi	81 mph	12 lbs	Black	834

Size	Diameter	Width	Rim Range	Measured Rim	Tread Depth	Load Range	Max Load	Max psi	Max Speed	Weight	Sidewall Letters	Revs/Mile
T135/80D16 101M SL BSW	24.8"	5.4"	4-4"	4"	NA	Standard Load	1819 lbs	60 psi	81 mph	10 lbs	Black	850

Thank you.

[nordwulf]

All three replacement tires are close to the specifications of the original and a slight increase/decrease in diameter won't cause any problems. Especially because you would only use it for a short distance at slower speeds anyways. The original spare tire hasn't been used for 12 years so it is most likely you will never use this one either.

[100%Saab]

Orio is listing "new" never used 9-3 spare tires available in Sweden. They shipped at least 3 tires about 6 months ago to the US, in Orio US inventory. Thinking a recently manufactured tire was available, I ordered a new spare tire. This is what I got.



The DOT as you can see is 2008 and is older the the spare that is currently on the 9-3. I will not be putting this tire on my 9-3. Orio is currently looking to see if fresh spares are available, but I doubt it. Will go with Kumho from Discount Tire otherwise.

[Dave T]

http://saabworld.net/showthread.php?t=27936

See how I put a full sized spare tire in my 2005 Saab 9-3 and other sizes that fit in the trunk better.

[100%Saab]

http://saabworld.net/showthread.php?t=27936

See how I put a full sized spare tire in my 2005 Saab 9-3 and other sizes that fit in the trunk better.

Thank you.

Orio cited a law which restricts placing automobile tires in service after 10 years but states that the restriction does not apply to spare tires. I am not sure whether the law is Swedish or American. Discount Tire will not mount a 10 year old tire on a car period. I will replace my original spare tires with Kumho spares. This will however be an issue for everyone because within two years every original 9-3 spare tire is going to be 10 years or older. Kumho spares at least fit the space for the spare.