How Long Can Tyres Be Stored: Complete Guide

When tyres are kept in the right way, they will last longer and perform well when mounted. Owners maintain good quality tyres which are not in heavy use, even when they know how long and how to retain them. A lot of factors influence the duration of storage in tyres. The experts at Dunlop Tyres Grays advise on measures to take when storing tyres, the time that tyres can last, and how they should be checked to ensure they are safe.

Maximum Storage Duration

Typically, the car tyres are able to remain in storage anywhere between 6-10 years. With proper storage and maintenance, that is. However, the real time depends on the location where they are stored and the tyre quality, thus it could be shorter or longer.

Although manufacturers do not place precise expiry dates, most experts regard tyres which are in good condition as lasting between 6 and 10 years. High-quality tyres by reputable manufacturers tend to be more durable than inexpensive tyres. Good rubber lasts longer.

Good tyres: not older than 6 years old, regardless of their appearance. Rubber then begins to decompose more rapidly, although it is hard to notice. They are not safe and perform poorly because of hidden changes within them.

Understanding Tyre Age

There is a four-digit code on the tyre sidewall. The first two figures are the production week, and the last two figures are the year. An example of this is that 2319 would mean that the tyre was manufactured in week 23 of 2019.

The unused tyres decompose with the course of time due to the chemistry of the rubber. They are oxidised by oxygen, and their bonds are broken by ozone. These reactions occur even when the tyre is in use or is simply stored.

New unused tyres that remain intact are in better condition than used tyres that are stored. However, new and used tyres deteriorate at a similar rate. When the tyre is very old, the make date is more important than the amount that they were use.

Optimal Storage Conditions

Keep tyres in a cool environment, without direct exposure to sunlight and heat. Rubber is damaged quickly by heat and UV light. It is better in a temperature-controlled area.

When tyres are kept longer than one month without use, they dry and might crack. Keeping them inside prevents them from being affected by the weather and extreme temperatures. Special storage rooms, garages, or basements are useful.

Maintain humidity to prevent moisture damage and mould. Wet environments cause rubber to rot and deteriorate. Tyres are kept in good condition in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Positioning and Stacking Techniques.

Wheeled tyres are to be piled up on their sides. This prevents the sidewalls from bending and being weak. To prevent excessive pressure, do not place more than 4 tyres.

Unwheelie tyres ought to be upright. When they are hung or stacked, they bend and weak spots are created. Turn them every three months to prevent them from developing flat spots.

Do not place heavy objects, with or without wheels, on tyres. Excessive weight forever alters their structure and makes them unbalanced. Store places clean to prevent damage.

Environmental Hazards to Avoid

Store tyres of ozone generators, such as electrical motors and fluorescent lamps. Ozone tears rubber and deteriorates it. Shifting the tyres off these prolongs them.

Rubber is permanently spoiled by solvents, fuels, or oil fumes. Keep tyres away from workshops, garages or areas where chemicals are applied. Tyres can also be ruined by fumes.

Rubber molecules are easily broken up by sunlight and UV light. Tyres to windows, skylights, or outdoors receive excess radiation. They are safe against UV in dark cabinets or rooms.

Maintenance During Storage

Keeping tyres clean before and during storage is necessary. Dirt and contaminants would trap moisture against the rubber surface and thereby promote degradation. Clean tyres with mild soap and water, and then dry them thoroughly for storage.

Since tyre dressing products place a protective barrier against environmental hazards, coat the tyres with a good tyre protectant before storage to seal the rubber surface. Avoid petroleum-based products since they damage the rubber compound.

Check stored tyres for signs of deterioration, like cracks or bulges. Inspections that should be carried out every quarter identify problems in time to allow for an informed decision as to whether to replace the tyre. Surface cracking is a sign of compound degradation, requiring that the tyre be replaced prior to use.

Expert Evaluation 

You should always have stored tyres evaluated by a professional before fitting them, regardless of the length of storage. Technicians can find internal damage that is undetectable in a standard assessment. A professional evaluation is an important safety check prior to going on the road. 

Tyres that have been stored for more than six years warrant a particularly careful assessment. Tyres will degrade internally even if stored properly. The competence of a professional will establish whether the stored tyres are safe for you to use.

Conclusion

Tyres can be stored for a maximum of 6-10 years if kept under ideal conditions. The storage plan must therefore ensure a proper environment, positioning, and inspection to maintain tyre quality throughout the duration of storage.

For expert advice on tyre storage and a wide variety of quality replacements, experienced tyres Grays experts would provide professional advice and thorough inspection services along with the finest tyre selections to guarantee safety and performance when tyres have reached their serviceable limit in storage.