So, my the rear left on my '04's sprung a leak and I switched in the spare while I order me some new rims and tires. But as I was doing so, it occurred to me that the full size spare is basically 10 years old.

This sounds scary.
So I thought I'd ask, is this really bad?
Is this something I'd be okay with driving like a granny at 65mph?

Is the rubber cracked? My spare is 8 years old, has been used on multiple occasions and still looks/works fine.

In ideal storage conditions 10 yrs would be pushing it. For the small cost in one tire and the piece of mind when you need it, best to replace it.

If its cracked, garbage......buy another one.

A buddy of mine was riding a motorcycle with a 10 year old front tire, he did not want to change the tire at the "end of the season".

He took a high speed lefthander, ran into a guardrail. DEAD on impact.

God to be with you!

isn't the spare not designed to be over 50mph if possible?

It's a full size spare, no cracking. Turanza EL42.
But yeah, I've been babying it for the last few days as I wait for my shipment because I'm kinda scared but need to drive. Good to know I'm not just paranoid!

Drive safe and the speed limit! Dont push it! Did you put it on the rear? I would put it on the rear. That way you have control on the steering if it does blow. If its on the front and blows you lose all control.

Yup, the flat was the rear left so the 10-year old spare is running on the rear left as well. It's been a long time since I've been such an obedient driver, sitting in the slow lane on the freeway going 55. Better get some awesome mpg out of this, jk

Like a few of our members mentioned, check for cracks. If you don't find any drive the speed limit until your new tires are delivered from...www.thetirerack.com! Where else are you going to find tires at wholesale prices?
Gary