Want to keep your tyres in top shape when not in use? Discover the best tyre storage tips to protect them from damage and extend their lifespan.
Key Takeaways
- Proper tyre storage requires thorough inspection, cleaning, and correct inflation to prevent deterioration.
- To maintain their quality, tyres should be stored in a cool, dry environment away from sunlight and ozone-producing sources.
- Consider professional tyre storage services for optimal conditions and convenience if home storage is inadequate.
How to Prepare Your Tyres for Storage
Proper storage prevents surface cracks and tyre deterioration. Even when stored, tyres can undergo physical and chemical changes, leading to deformed sidewalls and reduced durability. Before storing tyres, prepare them correctly. The main steps include inspecting for damage, cleaning thoroughly, and inflating correctly.
Neglecting to prepare tyres can lead to deterioration and future replacements. This preparation is essential for both winter and summer tyres. A few simple steps can significantly maintain your tyres’ condition and performance.
Inspect for Damage
Check for any visible damages before storing your tyres. Look for signs of wear and tear, lodged stones, or saw-tooth damage while inspecting cleaned tyres. If any damage is found, it should be fixed or replaced immediately to avoid future issues.
Regular inspections can prevent further issues during storage and ensure safety when the tyres are back in use.
Clean Thoroughly
Use a tyre brush to clean your tyres. Clean them thoroughly with detergent and lukewarm water to remove brake dust, salt, and grime. Pat the tyres with a towel or place them in a sheltered spot to make sure they are completely dry.
Cleaning thoroughly helps prevent mould growth and preserves rubber quality.
Inflate Correctly
Proper inflation is crucial for keeping the tyres in shape during storage. Correct tyre pressure and air pressure help maintain shape and prevent flat spots.
Inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure levels to keep them in optimal condition.
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Best Practices for Storing Tyres
To extend their lifespan, store tyres in a cool and dry environment away from heat sources. Proper storage can significantly prolong tyre lifespan, ensuring safety and preventing damage. When stored correctly, tyres can last between 6 and 10 years. The ISO 2230 standard recommends regulating storage conditions to maintain tyre quality.
Use rim spacers when storing mounted tyres to prevent sidewall pressure. Store unmounted tyres vertically side by side to prevent deformation. Avoid stacking unmounted tyres sidewall-to-sidewall to minimise deformation risks.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Store tyres away from direct sunlight to ensure longevity. UV radiation and heat from direct sunlight can significantly damage the rubber composition of tyres. Direct sunlight can degrade winter tyres’ rubber, impacting performance.
Ensure your storage area is free from direct sunlight to protect tyres.
Choose a Cool, Dry Space
Keep tyres in a cool, dry, and ventilated location. Choosing the right storage space is crucial for tyre condition. Ensure the storage area is not exposed to high temperatures or moisture.
These guidelines help prolong the lifespan and performance of stored tyres.
Use Airtight Bags
Use an airtight vacuum bag for storage to reduce oil evaporation from rubber compounds. Ensure tyres are completely dry before placing them in plastic covers. Oxygen can cause rubber deterioration if tyres are stored in non-airtight bags.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove as much air as possible from storage bags, maintaining the rubber’s natural oils.
Storing Tyres With and Without Rims: How to Do it Right
Tyre storage methods vary depending on whether they are mounted on rims. Tyres mounted on rims are stored by hanging them from hooks or stacking them horizontally. Tyres without rims are stored upright and rotated monthly to avoid flat spots.
Let’s delve into the specifics of each method.
Storing Tyres With Rims
Complete wheels should be stacked horizontally with cardboard between them for protection. This is the preferred method for storing tyres mounted on rims. Avoid stacking tyres too high to prevent toppling.
You should thoroughly wash wheel rim steel rims with water, shampoo, or a special product before storing them. Ensure white rubber touches other white areas to prevent oils from migrating and causing discolouration.
Storing Tyres Without Rims
Keep tyres upright to prevent deformation, especially for short-term storage. Storing tyres on their side can cause deformation; keep them upright and rotate regularly.
Rotate tyres every few weeks to avoid flat spots when stored upright. When storing without rims, keep tyres standing up vertically.
Seasonal Tyre Storage Tips
Many people change their tyres biannually, alternating between summer and winter tyres. To maintain their condition, winter tyres are stored securely when not in use, and summer tyres are stored when not in use to prevent deterioration.
Nevertheless, practising seasonal swapping of tyres ensures even wear.
Winter Tyres
Store winter tyres in a cool, dry, and shaded area to protect them from warm temperatures and sunlight. This prevents rubber degradation.
Correct storage is crucial for maintaining winter tyres’ performance and longevity. When you need to store your tyres, ensure they are kept in a cool, dry place.
Summer Tyres
Ideal storage conditions for summer tyres are cool, dry, and dark. Store summer tyres indoors to prevent cold-induced problems and indoors during winter to avoid damage from low temperatures.
Install summer tyres on vehicles when temperatures are consistently above 7°C.
Common Tyre Storage Mistakes To Avoid
To prevent rubber degradation, keep tyres away from solvents and ozone-producing devices. Petrol, oil, and solvents are common chemicals that affect tyre rubber. Store tyres away from sources that generate ozone, like certain electrical appliances.
Avoid electric motors with contact brushes in storage areas as they produce ozone. Ensure the storage area does not contain ozone-producing items to prevent tyre damage.
Tyres stored outdoors for extended periods can develop surface cracks from environmental exposure. Proper storage prevents changes in tyre characteristics, extends service life, and reduces physical damage risks.
Improper Cleaning
Inadequate cleaning can cause tyres to deteriorate from dirt and residues. Proper cleaning is crucial for maintaining tyre condition and performance. Dirt and grime can cause tyres to wear out faster, reducing lifespan and effectiveness.
Routine cleaning and inspection prevent future issues, keeping tyres in optimal condition.
Incorrect Positioning
Storing tyres flat or stacked for extended periods can cause deformation and compromise shape. Incorrect tyre positioning can lead to significant long-term damage. Proper positioning ensures structural integrity and prolongs tyre lifespan.
Incorrect positioning affects tyre performance and can lead to costly replacements.
Exposure to Chemicals
To avoid harmful chemicals, store tyres away from solvents and electric motors. Store tyres in a location free from chemicals or solvents to minimise exposure risks. Ensure the storage area is clean and free from clutter containing chemicals, fuels, or industrial materials.
These guidelines ensure your car tyres remain in excellent condition and last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare my tyres for storage?
To ensure proper storage of your tyres, inspect them for damage, clean them thoroughly, and inflate them to the correct pressure. Following these steps will help maintain their condition.
Where is the best place to store my tyres?
The best place to store your tyres is in a cool, dry, and dark location, away from direct sunlight and chemicals. This will help preserve their condition and longevity.
What are the benefits of using a professional tyre storage service?
Using a professional tyre storage service ensures optimal storage conditions and protection, ultimately extending the lifespan of your tyres while providing you with added convenience.
How often should I rotate tyres stored without rims?
Tyres stored without rims should be rotated every few weeks to prevent flat spots and deformation. Regular rotation ensures the longevity and performance of your tyres.
Conclusion
Proper tyre storage is essential to extend the lifespan and maintain the performance of your tyres. By following best practices such as inspecting for damage, cleaning thoroughly, and inflating correctly, you can prevent common issues like deformation and rubber degradation. Choosing the right storage environment, such as a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight and harmful chemicals, further ensures that your tyres remain in optimal condition.
At All Vehicle Services, we’re here to help you with all your tyre needs, from expert fitting to professional storage solutions. Trust our experienced team to ensure your tyres are always in peak condition so you can drive with confidence. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule your appointment!
