KPHO Channel 5 speaks with Larry Coben about Tire Tread Separation

Channel 5 Investigates Dangerous Spares

When a spare tire fails, the consequences can be catastrophic.  As tires get older, they stand a higher chance of experiencing tread separation. Tread separation occur when the tread literally comes off the tire.  New studies indicate that the age of a car's tires plays a role in how and when a rollover accident takes place.  

Tires older than six years are failing at alarming rates, causing tread separation and deaths.  "It's obvious that no one knows about it," said attorney Larry Coben.  Coben handled several tread separation cases in court and learned something that hit close to home during his research.  "Arizona stood out as the largest number of tire separation accidents in the country," Coben said. 

The desert heat is believed to be the culprit, affecting parts of the tire that can't be seen.  But who keeps tires longer than six years?  The average tire on a sport utility vehicle will last about four years, meaning most tires are replaced before they reach the six-year limit.  Except for the spare.  

Of six fatal accidents in Arizona where aging tires were suspected, two of the tires that failed were spares.  Nationwide, it's believed that 30 percent of tread separations involve old spare tires. 

Many people have never heard of this, because the cases generally end in confidential settlements which result in no publicity and no consumer warnings.  

None of the parties involved in the Arizona cases would speak to 5 Investigates, but experts give a simple warning. "The best advice is, if your tire is over six years old, even if you've never used it, don't use it. Throw it away. Get another one," Coben said.  

Some U.S. tire manufacturers are warning consumers to get rid of tires older than 10 years.  Consumer advocates say that's too long, especially in Phoenix, where the summer heat is believed to speed up the tire aging process.