You have three options for how to store your tires:
- Stand them upright.
- Stack them on their sides.
- Hang them up on hooks or racks.
How should tires be stored flat or upright?
If possible, store tires vertically rather than stacking horizontally to reduce stress and tire distortion. Also, place on a piece of clean wood and not directly on the ground.
How do you store a spare tire?
Store your tires indoors in a clean, cool and dark location away from direct sunlight, sources of heat and ozone such as hot pipes or electric generators. If you are storing outdoors (recommended for a short time only), raise tires off the ground and use waterproof covering with holes to prevent moisture build-up.
How long can tires sit in a garage?
5-6 yearsOverall, the time limits for stored tires are much the same as for tires that are being used. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and official manufacturers suggest a tire is only 100% safe to use until it turns 5-6 years old.
Can you store tires in an unheated garage?
Tires should be stored in a cool, dark, dry spot - a climate-controlled basement is better than an unheated garage or outdoor site like a shed. Keep them away from direct sunlight and be watchful for electric motors near the storage site, such as those on furnaces. They emit ozone which is very harmful to tires.
Should tires be stored vertically or horizontally?
Tires mounted on rims are best stored vertically so that they don't get deformities. If that's not possible to put them away vertically then make sure to rotate the tire's position once a month to ensure they keep their shape.
Can you store tires inside your house?
Store your tires in a clean, cool, and dry location, preferably indoors. Storing your tires indoors is better than keeping them outside, since there is less temperature and humidity variation indoors than there is outside.
How long will an unused spare tire last?
“Unless specified, you should get a new spare tire at 10 years to ensure it is safe to use,” says Ryan Pszczolkowski, CR's tire program manager. “You should inspect your spare tire periodically to look for any cracking or dry rot.” This task can be done when you're checking the tire pressure.
What happens when tires sit for a long time?
Tires will be prone to deteriorate, lose air pressure, and develop flat spots. When you decide to start driving your vehicle again, instead of the smooth ride you expected, it will be all bumps, thumps, and vibration due to ineffective tires.
How long can a flat tire sit?
The longest you should leave your vehicle standing on a flat is about twenty-four hours. After twenty-four hours the chances of damage to the tire are dramatically increased. Additionally, you should not drive with a flat tire.
Is it OK to store tires outside in the winter?
If at all possible, do not store your tires outside or in an area that's subject to swings in temperature. Even covered, tires stored outside are exposed to harmful environmental changes. Your best bet for storing tires is in a climate-controlled basement, garage, or workshop.
What temperature do tires crack?
Driving the vehicle, when the temperature is below -7°C (20°F), may result in surface cracks in the tread area of the tire.
What temperature should tires be stored at?
How to Safely Store Your Tires. The storeroom temperature should be below +25 ºC (77ºF), maximum. Ideally, it should be dark and below +15 ºC (60ºF). If the temperature is above 25 ºC or below 0 ºC (30 ºF), the properties of rubber may change, thereby affecting the final service life of the tire.
How long can a car sit before tires get flat spots?
Flat spots can occur in as little as thirty days, so this can become a major problem if you haven't used your car in months.
Do spare tires need air?
Unlike your four regular tires, compact spare tires typically should be inflated to around 60 pounds per square inch; PSI far short of that level could fail and damage the wheel, as well.
Can I store tires outside under a tarp?
Letting gunk and grime sit on your tires while they are in storage can cause easily prevented damage. You should store your winter tires in a room that is cool, dry, and dark. Under no circumstances should you store your winter tires outside, even if they are underneath a protective covering.
How long can new tires be stored?
How Long Will Tires Last in Storage? With proper storage conditions, tires will last up to six years in storage.
How to clean tires before storing?
1. Clean them. Using some detergent, water and a tire brush, clean tires before storing them. This will help remove a season’s worth of road grime and brake. Clean your wheels, too, if you store your tires on them. Make sure they’re completely dry before the next step.
Why do tires have white walls?
Got whitewalls – or other white parts (like lettering) on your tires? In case you’ve decided not to bag your tires, store them with white areas touching other white areas, and black touching black. Here’s why: The black rubber on the white side is compounded differently than the black rubber on the other side. A layer of non-staining black rubber is used on the tire's white side to prevent oils migrating from the black to the white areas and causing discoloration. The black sidewall uses standard rubber. Therefore, store black-to-black and white-to-white to help keep white rubber bright and avoid marks.
How to get rid of oil in tires?
Find a large, airtight plastic bag to fit each tire. Try yard bags or leaf bags. Ensure the bag (and tire) is free of moisture, then remove as much air as possible from the bag ( use your vacuum cleaner!) and tape it shut. This airtight environment will reduce evaporation of oils from the rubber compounds.
Why use black rubber on white tires?
A layer of non-staining black rubber is used on the tire's white side to prevent oils migrating from the black to the white areas and causing discoloration. The black sidewall uses standard rubber. Therefore, store black-to-black and white-to-white to help keep white rubber bright and avoid marks. 8.
What happens if you don't store tires?
If you don’t handle and store your tires properly, their characteristics can change . This can shorten their life. They can even deteriorate so badly in storage that they need to be replaced. But if you handle and store them correctly, they will deliver years of service – and you’ll save money.
Do tires age?
Tires will age. But these tips will help extend their life. If you want to make sure that the storing of your tires is in professional hands we would recommend to let them be stored at your tire dealer. And remember: It’s a great idea to get your tires checked by a tire professional before they are mounted onto your vehicle again for another good season of driving.
Do tires need dressing?
Tires don’t need any kind of dressing or gloss product applied prior to storage. Tire compounds are formulated to resist ozone cracking and other environmental stressors. Such products can hinder rather than help extend the longevity of your tires. 3. Bag them up.
Why do tires deteriorate?
Some argue that UV rays are the biggest factor in tire aging. Direct sunlight can heat the rubber and cause premature deterioration. The UV rays penetrate the rubber, dry it out, and eventually breakdown the rubber compounds. The best way to keep tires from dry rotting is to limit sun exposure whenever possible.
Why is it important to store tires?
This guide will show you how to store tires to keep them from dry rotting or deteriorating. Storing tires can be a frustrating task due to their size and the extra steps needed to keep them in good shape. However, you might not have a choice if you have a set ...
What is the purpose of tire storage bags?
Use tire storage bags designed to keep tires out of the sun.
How to keep tires in good condition?
These tire storage tips will show you how to prevent dry rot and keep tires in excellent condition. 1. Clean and dry tires thoroughly before storage. It’s important to remove any traces of asphalt, dirt, and brake dust from the tires before storing.
How long do tires last?
Tires can last for several years in storage if they are stored in the right conditions. However, many tire experts recommend replacing tires six years after their production date regardless of the tread. Old tires can be compromised in other ways when the rubber compound breaks down.
Why do tires need to be vacuum sealed?
Tires, on the other hand, do better when they are vacuum sealed in plastic. An airtight space prevents oxygen from reaching the tires, slows down the oxidation process, and prevents the oil from evaporating and drying out the tires. Remember to wrap each tire individually for the best results.
What to look for when taking out tires?
When you take your tires out of storage, make sure you look for signs of wear and check the date. If you are unfamiliar with what dry rot or crazing looks like, have a tire professional give your tires a once over.
Before storing your tires
Before removing your tires, note their position on your car. This will allow you to properly rotate your tires next time you mount them to ensure that they wear evenly.
Storing your tires
Store your tires indoors in a clean, cool and dark location away from direct sunlight, sources of heat and ozone such as hot pipes or electric generators.
How to store tires with rims
If you need to store tires that are mounted on rims, hang them up or stack them. Do not store them standing upright.
How to store tires without rims
If the tires are not fitted on rims, do not stack or hang them. Store them standing up.
How much does it cost to wrap tires?
Prices vary widely, from $8 to $50. The goal is to place each tire in its own opaque wrapping that is well sealed and airtight. Large, heavy-duty garbage bags work in a pinch, too. Before sealing each bag, use a vacuum cleaner to get out as much air as possible. Carefully stack the tires.
How to store summer tires?
Keep your investment in tip-top shape by learning how to store tires in four straightforward steps: Clean the tires. Once your summer tires have been swapped for winter tires or vice versa, it's time to clean them. Give them a good scrubbing with a tire brush, soap, and water to remove road grime, dirt, and brake dust.
What are the conditions that tires face?
Tires face tough road conditions almost daily. Rain, snow, dirt, heat, road debris —the list goes on. Make sure they don't face the same hazards when you store them between seasons since these conditions could shorten their life! Keep your investment in tip-top shape by learning how to store tires in four straightforward steps:
Why put winter tires on your car?
That’s because the rubber used for winter tires is formulated to deliver optimum performance in cold, dry weather, as well.
Should I Store Tires Vertically or Horizontally?
Many people wonder just how they should stack their tires to maximize the space they have.
Can You Store Tires in a Shed or Garage?
A garage or shed can seem like the ideal place to stash away these giant tires, but you might want to rethink that plan. There can be quite a bit of fluctuation in the temperature in these parts of your home.
Can You Store Tires in a Storage Unit?
If you are looking for a climate-controlled area where you can keep your tires, a storage unit may be one idea that comes to mind.
Can You Store Tires Outside During a Cold Winter?
There are a lot of things you must consider when storing tires during any season.
Should Tires be Inflated or Deflated When Stored?
As long as the tires are being stored while on rims, it is okay to stack them while inflated.
How to store tires?
If possible, it is best to store tires by stacking them vertically instead of storing them horizontally as if they were mounted on the car.
Why stack tires vertically?
Stacking them vertically is best to maintain the shape of the tire, but it also minimizes the square footage that your tires will take up.
Are 10-Year-Old Stored Tires Still Good?
Those stored in climate-controlled warehouses will likely still be functional after ten years. In fact, you’ll likely be unable to tell that they are ten years old at all.
How to Make a Stored Tire Last Longer?
Before storage, the tire should be cleaned thoroughly. Dirt and debris left on the tire can cause problems in the long run, leading to excessive wear and tear. In some cases, dirt can even lead to rot.
How Long Do Tires Last If Not Used?
Technically, tires stored away are only good for six years. At this time, it is highly suggested that you no longer use them.
How Do You Tell If Your Tires Are Too Old?
After storage, you should always carefully look at your tires to ensure that they are not damaged. In other words, you can’t simply go off the age; you need to take the tire’s condition into account too.
How long can you keep a tire in storage?
If you’ve carefully stored it away, you may be able to stretch its lifespan to ten years.
How long can tires be stored in a garage?
Most garages are not appropriate for the storage of tires. In most cases, they’ll be able to work for a year or two, but that’s it.
How to tell what year a tire was manufactured?
You can check the last four digits of the DOT code to tell you the week and year the tire was manufactured. However, as we stated, age isn’t always a good indicator of the safety of the tire.
Why Tires Age Even If They’re Not Used?
A tires service time expires because of the rubber aging, as the material is always exposed to oxygen that makes the particles become harder and less flexible . As a result, the rubber starts to crack outside and inside, which may cause tread or steel cord separation and complete tire failure.
How to make tires age faster?
The pressure from the load will stretch and deform the rubber, making your tires age quicker. Put tires in airtight plastic bags. Tire totes. After they are clean and dry, put each tire in an airtight plastic bag – this will keep the oils from evaporating.
Why do tires crack?
Cracks caused by ozone and weather impact. Image source: waterloohonda.com. Tire manufacturers try to fight ozone damage by putting special compounds in the products they produce. These waxes and oils can help if the tire is being used, meaning that the compounds are brought closer to the surface.
How to keep tires from getting airtight?
A good way to counteract this is to put the tires in bags first, and then use tire totes. Keep U V, humidity, and ozone away.
Why do tires have flat spots?
Liquids are also potential sources of ozone, which is destructible for rubber. Flat spot on a tire caused by storing being mounted. Image source: ford-trucks.com.
What is the ozone in rubber?
The type of ozone that is destructive to rubber is usually a result of manmade pollution . The impact of the gas on tires was first noticed in the 1950s, with rubber deteriorating faster in large cities than in small towns.
What happens when tires are exposed to sunlight?
When tires are exposed to sunlight, the rubber immediately starts absorbing UV radiation. The process is the same with both natural and synthetic polymers, which make up rubber compounds. The process of deterioration, due to the impact of UV, is called photo degradation.
