Storing extra tyres may seem like a no-brainer, but in fact, proper care is required, or you run the risk of reducing their life span. When you are changing out your summer tires for winter tires or just putting away your spares, it is very important to do it right. At Sand Dance Tyre, we have put together some proven tyre storage tips, which will, in turn, protect your investment as well as your safety once you go to put them back on.
Tyres go out in poor storage, which includes cracking, flattening, and wear out. We see that UV exposure and high humidity are large-scale issues. By which, if you are aware of these issues and properly store your tyres, you will see an extension in their life and improved performance.
Read More: Why UV Resistant Tyres Matter in Gulf Climates
Why Proper Tyre Storage Tips Matters
Tyres are not just simple rubber circles. We have put in engineered compounds which react to light, temperature and pressure. If you store them wrong, you compromise their structure, which in turn presents a large-scale safety issue once back on the road.
Rubber degradation is real.
Exposure of rubber to sunlight, moisture, and ozone causes it to harden and crack. This, in turn, may reduce traction, which in severe cases may make the tires unsafe at high speed or in bad weather.
Tyre Storage Tips for Preserving Quality
Every car owner needs to know what is involved in properly storing tires for short-term and long-term use. It comes down to basic care, which includes cleaning, location, position, and protection.
Clean Your Tyres Before Storage
Always rinse out dirt, brake dust, and road debris. Use a mild soap and water solution, then fully dry. Leaving tires to store while still dirty can cause corrosion and rubber breakdown down which may take months to appear.
Choose the Right Dry Storage Space
In a cool and well-ventilated environment indoors is the best for storage. Stay away from basements, which have high humidity, and sheds that see large temperature changes. For tire storage, it is also true to reduce the risk of mold, moisture buildup up and degradation.
Avoiding UV Damage and Ozone Exposure
UV rays and ozone are to blame for most rubber degradation. We suggest you store tires away from windows, electrical equipment, and machines that produce ozone. Also, use opaque tire covers to protect them from light and to preserve their elasticity.
Off-Season Tyre Care for Long-Term Storage
Off-season tyre care is not just about storing them in a garage. With each passing season, we see changes in temperature and humidity, which in turn affect your tyres.
Monitor the Temperature and Airflow
Season changes may cause tires to expand and contract. For proper storage, keep air flow in the area consistent and the temperature moderate. Also, do not store the tires near radiators, water heaters or in the sun.
Store Vertically or Stack Safely
Stacking tyres without rims is a go, but do get in the habit of rotating them out monthly to avoid pressure issues. As for tyres that are mounted do store them up on end to which in turn will reduce the chance of sidewall stress and warping. If you can get your hands on a rack to store them in, do it; also, do not put any heavy items on top of the tyres.
How to Avoid Long-Term Damage
Don’t Store Tyres on Wet or Dirty Surfaces
Surfaces such as soil, concrete, or wet floors will cause moisture to be trapped under the tires. Use of cardboard, wood planks, or tire mats will help to create a clean barrier between the tire and the ground.
Mark the Date of Storage
It is a good idea to mark each tyre with the date of storage and position (for example, front left). This will help in the tire rotation schedule and also ensure that they have not sat too long.
When to Replace Instead of Store
Tyres that are over six years old may not be worth keeping. While tread depth may still be good, age-related wear may have set in. If you see cracks, uneven wear, or stiffness in the tires, bring in into Sand Dance Tyre before you decide to put them back into use.
Trust Sand Dance Tyre for Expert Tyre Storage Guidance
At Sand Dance Tyre, we are aware that proper storage is a result of the right info and care. We have professional technicians who do tire inspection, cleaning, and preparation for storage. Whether you are rotating tires seasonally or have an extra set of performance tires, by following our tire storage tips, you’ll get the most out of every kilometer.
At our shop, we perform tire inspections, air pressure checks, and we also offer info on best storage. We see to it that your tires are in top shape when you need them safe, efficient and reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the safe storage time for tyres?
Tyres may be stored for as long as 6 years if kept in dry, cool, dark locations and also rotated and checked regularly.
Q2: Should tires be taken off pressure before storage?
If tires are mounted, keep to the recommended pressure. For unmounted tires, pressure is a non-issue, but storage orientation is.
Q3: Is your tire storage outside ok?
Staying indoors is what we recommend for tires. UV rays, humidity, and weather changes may greatly affect tire condition.
Q4: Can I stand up my tires without rims?
Tyres should be stored flat and rotated regularly to avoid deformation.
