You likely switch out your tires to suit the current season. Whether switching to winter or summer tires, you have to have a place to properly store the tires that aren’t being used. You may have a professional do this or you may do it yourself, but either way, you’re still left with the question of where to put the off-season tires so they don’t get damaged.
Improper storage can shorten the lifespan of your tires and cause them to deteriorate much faster than they should. When handled and stored correctly, you can enjoy a long lifespan for your tires.
Here are some tips on how to correctly store your tires.
Give Them a Cleaning
Mix up some detergent and water and use a tire brush to scrub your tires before you put them away for the season. This will remove all that road grime and brake dust so that when it’s time to put them back on, they’ll be nice and clean. Dry them completely before storing.
Put Them in Bags
Place each tire in a large, airtight plastic bag, such as a yard bag or leaf bag. Make sure both the tires and the bags are free from moisture and then tape them shut. This airtight environment prevents oil evaporation originating from the rubber compounds. You can even use tire storage caddies or totes, which will make transport and storage much easier, plus it will keep them free from dirt. Just be sure to place them in the bags first before placing in the tote because totes aren’t air tight.
Keep Them Out of the Sun
UV rays and heat can do a number on rubber. Wherever you choose to store your tires, make sure it’s not in direct sunlight.
Choose a Location
Don’t store tires in the open air, even if you use a protective covering. Choose a cool, dry, and ventilated area that’s not in direct sunlight. A basement or some other climate-controlled area would be best. If there is a heat source in the room, keep the tires away from it. It’s best not to store tires in the garage, shed or attic, as they are exposed to a wide range of extreme temperatures, as well as precipitation and humidity levels. Consistency is key.
Keep Them Away From Chemicals
The biggest chemical to avoid is ozone, which damages tires. Any electric motor that has contact brushes will generate ozone, including:
- Compressors
- Generators
- Furnaces
- Switches
- Central vacuum cleaners
- Sump pumps
Also, avoid storing your tires near solvents, fuels, and lubricants.
Protect White Rubber
If your tires have whitewalls or even white lettering, make sure you store them next to the white areas of the other tires (if you haven’t bagged them). Likewise, black should touch black. That’s because the black rubber on the white side is made differently than the black rubber on the opposite side. A layer of black rubber that’s non-straining exists on the tire’s white side. This is to prevent oils from leaking onto the white side and causing discoloration. Keep your white rubber bright and avoid scuffs and marks by making sure the white sides of each tires are touching each other.
Consider Standing, Stacking or Hanging
You can store your tires in three ways, by:
- Standing them upright.
- Stacking them on their sides.
- Hanging them on hooks or racks.
Standing is the best option because it is the least stressful on the tires. If you have no choice but to stack them, don’t stack too many on top of each other or they could tip over. However, stacking is preferable if you have tires mounted on rims. Another safe best is to hang your mounted tires on racks or hooks, but don’t do this with unmounted tires, as distortion can result.
Contact I&I Tires
If you need more tips on how to store your tires or want to book service with us, contact us in Atlanta at 678-284-2006 or Smyrna at 404-920-0278.