Having spare tyres is a rule of thumb for car owners. Whether they are gearing for a trip or simply using their vehicles for short distance drives, it is imperative that they have a couple of tyres in their garage that they can use as spare.
But more than acquiring these, car owners also need to know the right way of storing these components and gears to ensure that they are in tip top condition should they decide to use it. If you are looking to store a couple of tyres by the end of the season, try this list of storage tips:
- Clean after the switch
If you are the type of car owner that switches tyres in between seasons (e.g. summer to winter) and keen on using these seasonal tyres next year, the first thing that you need to do is to clean the tyres. Gunk and dirt from the roads and terrain can cause early deterioration of the tyres. Be sure to give your excess tyres some good scrubbing to remove all the dirt. You can also take this opportunity to inspect the tyres for patches, wear and tear and other issues. If the tyres are beyond repair, do not attempt to store them. Buy a replacement and check for tyres prices online for a spare.
- Look for a clean and dry place for storage
Once all the tyres are cleaned and air dried, they are now ready for storage. Be sure you allot a space in your garage for tyre storage. The space should be dry, cool, and free of moist and dirt. If possible, the temperature in your garage should be controlled to avoid material deterioration due to temperature changes. And as much as possible, do not place the tyres near motors and engines that generate heat.
- Cover the tyres
Even though you have a clean and temp-controlled space, it is still necessary to cover the tyres before storage. Tyres are still susceptible to dirt and other elements, even though these are stored in a controlled environment. Covering them would minimize damage brought by these elements.
- Stack them accordingly
There are two ways to stack your tyres: with rims and without rims. If you have space rims, you can vertically stack the tyres next to one another. But if you don’t have rims, the ideal stacking position is atop the other. Be sure to rotate the tyres every 4 weeks to avoid uneven patching and wear.