Storing some extra tyres? It can be a good idea to do so, especially if you frequent rough terrain and need spares for unexpected flats. Storing tyres can also be necessary if you like having a varied collection of wheels that you only use from time to time.
But just because tyres are stored doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll last. When not stored properly, tyres can wear out faster than the ones you actually use.
So how can you store tyres to ensure their quality and longevity? Here are some tips:
- Heat and the elements are the primary factors that influence the aging of stored tyres. So you need to make sure that your tyres are kept away from sunlight, heat and other external elements. It’s better to keep tyres in a cool, dry, indoor location such as a basement or climate-controlled workshop, rather than a garage, storage shed or outdoors. Basements and workshops often maintain a cool and dry environment whereas other locations, such as the garage and storage shed, can experience various hot and cold temperatures and humidity levels that can greatly affect your tyres.
- Do not keep tyres attached to and carrying the weight of an unused or seldom used vehicle. This type of long-term inactivity is more damaging to them since they’re constantly carrying the vehicle’s weight in one position and the oil is no longer dispersed within the rubber.
- Before storing any tyres, always make sure they are clean and dry. Use a tyre brush with some soap and water to remove any dirt, dust and grime and let them dry thoroughly. There’s no need to apply tyre dressings as their rubber compounds are already made to resist ozone cracking or weather checking on their own.
- Store each clean and dry tyre in its own clear, large, airtight plastic bag (like a garden bag) and make sure absolutely no moisture is left or can enter the bag. Also keep the amount of air in the bag to a minimum. You can use a vacuum cleaner to draw out as much air as possible before sealing the bag shut. It’s important to seal the bag in order to maintain a consistent environment within the bag and keep the oil from evaporating.
- If you prefer using tyre totes, you can do so but make sure to keep tyres in individual, airtight bags first before placing them in a tote. Tyre totes are great for making tyre storage neater and more convenient, and they’re also easier to carry. They are however, not designed to prevent exposure to external elements, which is why it’s best to use airtight bags along with them.
- If you prefer not to individually bag your white letter or white stripe tyres, make sure that you stack them white-to-white and black-to-black. This keeps the black rubber from staining the white rubber side.
- Make sure your tyres are kept away from sources of ozone. These include electric motors that use contact brushes, furnaces and sump pumps.
Ageing is inevitable for stored tyres, but if you follow these steps you can at least slow down that process and keep your tyres in the best condition for as long as possible.