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Tire Storage
 Since heat and
exposure to the elements are the primary factors that
influence a tire's aging process, drivers can prolong their
tire's life by minimizing their impact. Here are some tips
for storing tires that will not be used continuously.
- Don't store a vehicle with weight on its tires for
extended periods of time. Long-term inactivity is more
harmful to tires than short weekly drives that flex the
tires and help maintain oil dispersion within the rubber
compounds.
- DO NOT APPLY ANY TIRE DRESSINGS. Tire compounds are
formulated to resist ozone cracking or weather checking.
- Keep the tires out of direct sunlight. The sun’s
ultraviolet rays and radiant heat are detrimental to rubber.
We have used a pyrometer to measure tires that were simply
sitting in direct sunlight on a parked vehicle. Surprisingly
those tires’ temperatures were 135° Fahrenheit on their
surface.
- Place each tire in its own large, opaque, airtight plastic
bag (such as lawn and garden bags) for storing. Avoid
allowing any moisture and remove as much air as practical
(some drivers even use a vacuum cleaner to draw out as much
as possible). Close the bag tightly and tape it shut. This
places the tire in its own personal mini-atmosphere to help
reduce oil evaporation.
- Place the tires in a cool, dry location. It is better to
place tires in a dry basement than outdoors or in a hot
garage or attic. The basement temperatures will tend to
remain cooler and more stable, while outdoor, garage and
attic temperatures will often become hot and face daily
fluctuations in temperature.
- Keep the tires away from sources of ozone. Electric motors
that use contact brushes generate ozone. Keep your tires
away from the furnace, sump pump, etc.
While tires will age somewhat regardless of what precautions
are taken, these procedures will help slow the process
compared to not doing anything.
article courteousy
The Tire Rack |
