Suppose the original factory installed spare tire has never been used.

Is it safe no matter how old it is?

3 years would be the recommended life span for tyres. However, I would think 5 years for spares would be acceptable.

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

rubber deteriorates over time. It loses its elasticity and becomes brittle. You don't want to find out the hard way ...

i replaced my spare with a brand-new one. Expensive, but you get the peace of mind that it can be relied on when you need it.

Hi, bobbyv

How old was your replaced spare tire?

There really isn't any benefit buying expensive spare tyres.

Example: Bolex is made in China with an average rating but nonetheless sufficient for a spare. Cost? Pay 75% less the good tyres.

But you get the point ...

__________________
... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

the thing is that when I bought my car, I had no idea of the condition of the spare - how old it was or if it was ever damaged and repaired.

So as a "baseline", I purchased a new tire. And I chose one that may be used in summer or winter (I use snow tires in winter).

Another question.

Do you balance your spare tire each time you balance front and rear tires?

Spare tires are usually balanced once before they're put into the boot. More importantly, the pressure ought to be inflated above the norm as you'd never know when its going to be used.

We usually pump in about 40 psi.

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

Sin, sorry this is off topic. Do you know of anyone in Malaysia that would be able to drop in a bigger engine into my 300CE?

The engine needs a complete overhaul so I'm having dirty thoughts! Otherwise you know of any good shops that can do big bore?

Rgds

I assume its a 124 300CE M103 engine in line 6? If so, how much bigger are you looking at?

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... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

Yes, its a M103 3.0

I'm looking at M104 3.2/3.6 or possibly the 500SEC engine. I'm sure there are capable workshops that can do such conversions over there.

Any idea where's a good source?