Tips for car enthusiasts: how to properly store tires without rims
When replacing winter tires with summer tires or vice versa, the question of proper storage of removed car tires certainly arises. Storing rubber tires without rims has its own peculiarities.
In this case, you should familiarize yourself with the standards that provide for the creation of optimal conditions in the premises where tires will be stored.
We’ll talk further about how and where to store tires without rims.
Content
Tire storage conditions
Storing tires without rims provides for the creation of comfortable conditions that prevent the destruction of rubber. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure a stable microclimate in places suitable for storage.
The following factors have a negative impact on the material:, which provoke earlier aging of tires, which can be clearly seen in the table:
Factor | Negative Impact |
Unstable temperature indicators | A sharp change in temperature, even if it does not exceed the permissible values, causes rubber aging. There is a risk of reducing the elasticity of the material, deformation of the tires, and the formation of microcracks on them. |
Presence of heating devices in the room | Tire racks are recommended to be located at a distance of 1 m from them. Otherwise, this will lead to drying out of the rubber. |
Ultra-violet rays | Ultraviolet exposure to tires causes elastomer aging. |
Increased humidity/dryness | Exceeding permissible standards negatively affects the elasticity of the material. In an excessively dry room, rubber cracks, and when there is excess moisture, fungi quickly develop. |
Aggressive substances | The presence of gasoline, lubricating oils, and diesel fuel in the room provokes the possibility of dissolution of rubber components. Alkalis, acids and industrial solvents are also harmful to the material. |
Optimal humidity levels are 50 – 65%. If there is no ventilation in the room, it must be ventilated regularly.
Features for different seasons
As for the temperature regime, not only its values and the type of tires are taken into account. Values must be maintained that are consistent with the operating conditions of the product.
The fact is that The use of seasonal tires depends on the rubber composition. Therefore, it should be taken into account that summer tires are not suitable for frost, while winter tires are not suitable for heat.
Summer tires can withstand high temperatures. It must be stored in a dry place out of direct sunlight. The temperature should not be below zero degrees. You cannot keep summer tires on an uninsulated balcony. Summer tires dry out and crack in the cold.
It is not recommended to store winter tires in a warm room. They lose their elasticity when exposed to heat. This leads to a decrease in the tire's grip on the surface and causes slipping on ice. It is strictly forbidden to leave winter tires in the sun.
The general rule for winter or summer tires is the undesirable presence of heating devices closer than at a distance of 1 m. The optimal temperature for storing tires is 8 - 23°C.
In what position should you hold it?
The safety of tires directly depends on the position in which they are placed for storage. There are several accommodation options:
- horizontal,
- suspended,
- vertical.
However, for tires without rims, only one placement method is suitable - vertical. When positioned horizontally, compression and deformation of the rubber occurs, which makes it impossible to further operate the tire. When suspended, the tires stretch out and also become unusable.
When storing tires without rims Important recommendations should be taken into account:
- The surface on which tires are installed must be level and durable.
- The best option is a metal or wooden floor or wall rack.
- Tires can be placed close to one another or with a small gap between them.
- However, storing other, even light objects, on car tires is not allowed. This will lead to tire deformation.
- It is recommended to turn wheels without discs every 1.5-2 months to prevent deformation of the tire sides and maintain its correct shape.
Some of them have a concave surface that ensures ideal pressure distribution throughout the rim. Such designs are durable, easy to clean and provide a high level of tire support.
Proper wheel preparation
The preparatory stage has its own characteristics. Their further suitability for use, as well as safety on the road, depends on the quality preparation of tires before long-term storage.
Standard processing includes the following mandatory procedures:
- Cleansing. At this stage, it is necessary to remove dust, oils, dirt, and pebbles stuck in the tire.
- Washing. Wash away dirt and chemicals with plenty of water.
- Drying. Dry the rubber thoroughly to avoid the damaging effects of excessive moisture on the material.
- Conservation. Treatment of tires with special compounds that prevent the likelihood of exposure to negative factors during long-term storage. For this purpose, a special silicone grease can be used as a protective composition.
Its use prevents drying out and the appearance of microcracks in the rubber. Before processing, you should read the Instructions and strictly follow them. Ignoring the recommendations from the manufacturer can ruin the tires.
- Wheel markings. This nuance helps you later easily figure out which tire to install and where. To do this, you can use a marker or special stickers.
Proper preparation of tires without rims and provision of comfortable storage conditions significantly extend the life of tires.
Where can?
The options for placing tires without rims are quite varied. Even if there is no special room, they can be stored in utility rooms, on the balcony, in the garage and even in the cellar. But each option has its own characteristics. They need to be taken into account.
On the balcony
This room is used very often and can be considered an acceptable option for storing tires. The following features should be taken into account:
- The balcony must be insulated, which will create the necessary microclimate with acceptable temperature and humidity.
- A prerequisite is that the tires must be protected from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Otherwise, the rubber will become unusable.
- It is unacceptable to store tires on open balconies. There is a very high risk of the negative effects of precipitation, temperature fluctuations, sunlight, cold and heat.
Only if acceptable conditions are met can tires be stored on the balcony. The vertical placement rule also remains mandatory.
In the garage
An excellent place to store tires without rims is a regular garage. The reason for this is that the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation are excluded.
However, there are also disadvantages:
- It’s cold here in winter, so summer tires harden and become deformed;
- heating appliances can dry out the air;
- it is necessary to maintain a distance from heating means;
- possible violation of humidity boundaries;
- the presence of chemicals in the room also negatively affects the material.
In the attic
Storing tires in the attic has a number of its own characteristics. Among them:
- The need to place the tire rack away from the window and door to avoid harmful exposure to sunlight.
- Possibility of roof leakage.
- Snow or rain.
It is recommended to prevent these nuances. Only after this can the wheels be placed in the attic.
In the cellar
To store tires in a cellar, Some factors need to be taken into account:
- high humidity;
- lack of proper ventilation;
- risk of fungi settling on rubber.
These moments can lead to damage to the rubber structure. As a result, it becomes unsuitable for use.
At the tire center
The advantage of service centers over each of the options considered is obvious. All the necessary conditions for high-quality and safe storage of seasonal tires are provided here:
- the required temperature level for winter and summer tires is maintained;
- there is no likelihood of sudden temperature changes;
- an optimal level of humidity is ensured;
- exposure to ultraviolet radiation is excluded;
- there is no danger of exposure to aggressive substances;
- the centers are equipped with special racks for each type of tire.
Consequences of improper storage
Mistakes made when storing tires cause significant harm to them, including serious damage that prevents their further use.
Here is a list of negative consequences:
- The tire is deformed, making it impossible to install it on the rim.
- If such a tire is pulled on with force, it will interfere with inflating the tube.
- Significant reduction in tread adhesion to the road surface.
- Tire compression when stored horizontally in a stack. As a result, the tread surface becomes convex, which reduces the stability of the car.
- Storing tires without rims on hangers leads to their deformation, giving the tire an oval shape. It will be impossible to pull it onto the rim.
- Deformation due to improper storage reduces the adhesion of the tire to the disc.
- A decrease in the elasticity of rubber, which causes microcracks to appear.
Each of the problems described can ruin the tire without the possibility of repairing the damage. Therefore, all storage recommendations should be followed with the utmost responsibility.
Video on the topic of the article
This video will show you how to properly store tires without rims:
Conclusion
Adhering to all recommendations for storing tires without rims for long-term storage is not difficult and does not take much time. But the effect of following them is significant. As a result, not only does the service life of the tires increase, but the level of safety on the road when driving will also significantly increase.