I'm not the expert here but I'd just see if if seals. You can usually tell by the way it goes on and adjusts whether or not it going to seal. They do dry out but I had mine way more than 6 years before it had to be replaced.

Same here - year's of use out of a gasket. Just put some water in the PC and heat it up to pressure. Even if they do dry and shrink a bit a good steamy run will usually expand them back to normal. If it just keeps leaking steam around the rim after that then it may need to be replaced.

Dave

Thanks for reminding me........I blew a gasket(LOL) last fall and need to get one ordered soon to have on hand when the garden comes on. My old canner is so old, that the gaskets changed sixteen years ago and I have to order online. So yes, they can last years if not abused. Mine lasted over sixteen!

Thanks all!