How to store winter tires

When spring comes and thoughts about the planned replacement of tires appear, the need for placing a winter version in the garage also immediately appears. Where to store tires, and how to protect them, and in general - do I need to store them? All these are quite standard questions of a responsible motorist. Naturally, buying a new set of tires every season is economically unprofitable. Therefore, the most practical way to learn how to properly care for winter tires.

For the manufacture of tires used materials such as sulfur, soot, rebar and all kinds of stabilizers. Due to such fillers, the wheel becomes more durable and elastic. So: in order for the rubber not to lose its functional features, it should be stored correctly. Indoor humidity, light, air temperature, placement method - these are all important conditions for proper storage of tires.

Where to store winter tires

The option of storing tires at home on the loggia is not entirely successful, especially if the balcony is not glazed. The fact is that they are dependent on climatic conditions, so it is better to try to find a place more modest. Rubber should be stored as the medicine - in dry, dark places with medium temperature. Optimum climatic conditions - 20-25 degrees Celsius. Low humidity during storage can cause small cracks to appear on the surface. Moreover, keep in mind that all four wheels will take up a lot of space, which will be a certain discomfort.

Do not, under any circumstances, store tires under awnings, much less outdoors. The best option would be various rooms in the form of a garage, basement or pantry. If you do not have them, you can contact special storage facilities or warehouses. Today, most auto centers offer this kind of service. Entrusting storage in special conditions, you will be sure that upon the arrival of the new season, you will receive your tires unscathed. For regular customers, this service is provided for free.

Tires can be stored both with disks and in a free state. They can be placed on special racks, pallets and any other flat plane. There is already a choice the motorist makes himself. Note that for each type of storage there are specific rules. In any case, it is necessary in advance to carefully wash them from dirt, sand and pebbles. And it is advisable to apply a special chemical solution to the tires, which will prevent rapid aging. This tool is easy to buy in authorized stores, as it is available for sale.

Under no circumstances should winter tires be stored in wooden crates. It will go bad right away. This is a valid and desirable rule for the storage of rubber, but summer, not winter. There are special covers for storing tires. If you can afford such a purchase, then it will certainly be better to pack tires in them. Once a quarter, experts recommend changing the location of the tires, changing the center of the support. This will prevent deformation.

Basic tire storage rules

It is best to keep the tires inflated and with wheels. Do not advise them to put the wheel on the wheel. The best option is a pyramid, thanks to which they will not lose their shape. Another good storage method is putting the tires in plastic bags. Thus, they will not collect dust on the surface and will not lose their good appearance. Remember that when packing, do not close the bag too tightly. Leave small openings for air to enter.

Do not hang tires on the walls. Metal-plastic hooks can damage rubber.The best option is to put the tires (without wheels) on top of each other or hang them on semicircular brackets. To prevent them from deforming over time, try to turn them over at least once a month.

Tires should be stored on a level plane. Do not load them with any objects on top. Do not crush or crush the sides when placed. Make sure that any sharp objects do not rest against the rubber - it may not level out after a while and may not be well sealed on the disc.

Make sure that heat sources - various batteries and heaters - are at a sufficient distance from the tire storage area. At high temperatures, the rubber is characterized by softening. Violating this rule, you can just ruin the winter tires.

Tire recycling methods

Leaving tires near the garbage can is an extremely ugly act in relation to the environment. Try to approach this issue with all responsibility. The opportunity is gaining popularity when it is possible to hand over worn tires to car services. This is usually a free service. There is no demand for old rubber, because dealerships send used rubber for recycling. This is one of the most humane ways to resolve this issue.

Do not forget that each tire has its own expiration date. It doesn’t matter what mileage the car makes in all this time. Ideally, you should not use them for more than five years. Even if the car has rarely been used for all this time, keep in mind that it is common for rubber to lose its production qualities over time. We need an iron understanding that saving on a car, and even more so on rubber, is fraught with consequences. Your personal life and the lives of loved ones can depend on this.

The main thing that the tire owner must do is to choose the right place for storage and follow fairly simple rules for caring for them. Under no circumstances should rubber be stored outdoors or in wooden crates. Go to the choice of premises with all responsibility. If you do not have a personal garage or any other suitable premises, it would be better to use the seasonal storage service in the car service.