Introduction
Clean and protect your tires before you put them away!
But unless your garage is temperature-controlled, storing your winter tires outside or in a garage can do damage to the tires integrity. The heat and sunlight (UV Rays) from the summer sun will degrade the rubber which can cause your winter tires to crack.
Whats the best way to store 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. 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.
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. 6.
Is it OK to store tires?
In cold weather or in warm, tires should never be stored in the open air, even under a protective covering. Think cool, dry, moderately ventilated and of course out of the sun. Your basement or another climate-controlled space is ideal.
How long can tires sit unused?
6-10 years
If not used, tires last for 6-10 years, depending on the storage and environmental conditions. Overall, the time limits for stored tires are much the same as for tires that are being used.
Do tires rot in storage?
Tires are kept moist by oils and resins that are mixed in with the rubber during the manufacturing process. These oils and resins are only activated when a tire is in motion. Therefore, tires that are immobile for an extended period of time (such as stored tires) are more prone to developing dry rotting.
Should tires be stored in plastic bags?
How should tires be covered up for storage? Tires should be sealed in airtight plastic bags, which protect them from changes in humidity. You can store your tires inside regular lawn and garden bags if you remove as much air as possible from them before placing the tires inside.
Is it better to store tires mounted or unmounted?
Hanging tires from hooks not mounted on a rim may cause deformation of the tire due to irregular weight applied on the hook. Alternatively, you can store mounted tires in a stack, vertically, with the sidewall facing down so that the weight of the rim isnt pushing down on the tread of the tire during storage.
Is it OK to store tires in a shed?
Many people choose to store tires in their unheated garage or shed. Temperature and moisture fluctuations make this environment less than ideal but if this is your only option, its better than leaving them outdoors.
Do tires dry rot in garage?
Tire rot is caused by ambient heat, UV radiation (which has a similar effect on your face), ozone in the aosphere, road salt and time. These factors are mostly worse if your car lives outside, but even garage queens cant sit on one set of tires forever.
Conclusion
Old tires are dangerous, regardless of tread depth. While theres no federally sanctioned safety guidance on when a tire is too old to be safe, many carmakers recommend replacement at six years from the date of manufacture. Old tires have been the culprit in fatal accidents.