Quote:
Originally Posted by AMOCHOSTO
Just as above, can summer tires be stored in an unheated garage, being exposed to temperatures below -15c or 5f for weeks. My wife doesn't want the tires in the house, but I don't want to expose thousands of dollars worth of tires to elements that can cause damage to them.
Thanks for your help.
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If your summer tires are stored in unfavorable conditions (or if not properly handled), you can impact their overall performance. This can lead to a shorter tread life, and the tires wet and dry performance numbers may even deteriorate to the extent that they can no longer meet expectations. Correctly stored and handled tires retain their properties virtually unchanged for several years.
Storage in the open air, even under a protective covering, is not recommend.
The storage area you choose for your tires should be a cool, dry, and dark place. (it should also be well ventilated) Storage temperatures must not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are storing your tires in a heated garage for example...the tires must be shielded from the heat source. (if the two are very close together)
Your tires must be protected from direct sunlight and continuous indoor lighting as well. The ozone and ultraviolet rays found in direct sunlight are particularly damaging to rubber compounds used in modern radial tires.
Solvents, fuels, lubricants, and chemicals should not be applied to tires you are putting into storage for a long period of time.
Never store your tires
under pressure. This will eventually lead to cracks in the rubber.
Here are a few do's and don'ts about storing tires.
These are the general guidelines you should follow, for the guys that have
alternate sets of wheels/tires for summer/winter duty...
DO
1. Remove the tires from the vehicle.
2. Remove the air from the tires and store them on their side in a cool/dark/dry environment.
3. Place tires in a large
black plastic trash bag when stored during the "off-season". (and
NO I'm not kidding!)
4. Make sure the temperature range of your storage location is between 40-90 degrees Fahrenheit year round.
DON'T
1. Don't store tires in direct sunlight. Tires need to be protected from all light sources, especially direct sunlight. You may think this is silly, but light causes ultraviolet damage, and it will slowly break down the tire's rubber compounds. The storage area should be kept dark. (if the tires are not stored in black trash bags)
2. Don't apply any chemical treatments to tires that you are putting in storage. It's not necessary, and may actually damage the integrity of the tire. (by breaking down the rubber compound) Tires must not be allowed to come in contact with any oils, greases, solvents, or other petroleum products that cause rubber to soften or deteriorate.
3. Don't store tires in
sub-freezing temperatures for any length of time. (the rubber compound can freeze, and it may crack as a result.)
If you follow these tips, I promise your tires will last longer. (and perform at their best)
