TIRE HANDLING AND STORAGE

It is impossible to predict how long the tires will last. However, you can always increase the life and performance of the tires by handling and storing them properly when they are not being used.

When the tires are not used and are outdoors for long periods (a month or more), the surfaces dry out and cracks appear, which is called cracked by weathering and ozone. For this reason, tires should always be stored indoors in a ventilated, dry and clean place.

Away from danger

When the tires are stored, they should be away from the heat caused by hot pipes and electric generators. Storage surfaces should be clean of grease, gasoline, diesel and other chemicals or hydrocarbons that could damage the rubber. Tires exposed to these materials during storage could suffer irreversible damage when reassembled in the vehicle.

The tires must be stored:

• In well ventilated, dry, temperate environments and sheltered from direct sunlight and weather
  
• Away from chemicals, solvents or hydrocarbons
• Away from metal or pointed wood, etc.
• Away from heat sources, flames, incandescent objects, materials that can cause sparks or electric shock
• Away from ozone sources (transformers, electric motors, welding equipment, etc.)

Handling

If they are stored for very long periods of time they must be rotated (reverse the order of the tires), to avoid deformations. The tires must be crushed under heavy objects. Accessories must be stored in their original packaging, on surfaces that do not present any risk of cutting, tearing or perforation. When handling tires and accessories, instruments and equipment that do not damage the tires must be used. When handling tires, it is highly recommended to wear gloves and appropriate clothing.

Short term storage

The tires can be stacked, preferably on pallets. But it is better not to stack them more than 1.20 meters high. Every month you have to reverse the order of the tires. When the tires are mounted on the rim they should be stored inflated and in an upright position, without stacking.

Long term storage

For longer periods of storage, place them vertically on shelves located at least 10 cm from the floor. To avoid distortions, turn them slightly once a month. If a tire is not used for a longer period, the pressure must be checked regularly and maintained at the levels recommended by the manufacturer.

Winter tire storage

Thanks to these storage recommendations winter tires will be in perfect condition:

• Before disassembling the tires you have to look at the position they occupy in the car. Thus, the front and rear tires can be exchanged the following winter, to equalize wear.
  
• The tires should be cleaned with water and dried well to reduce corrosion.
• Stones or possible debris must be removed from the grooves of the tire.
• If the tires are mounted on tires, they can be hung or stored horizontally.
• If they are disassembled they can be left standing or in a horizontal position. The tires should be away from the light, the ideal is a cool and dry area. Above all, do not leave them with solvents (fuels, oils, etc.).

vs Oct 2021