Winter has arrived, which means that for many it’s time to swap out the all-season tires for winter ones. But how do you make sure those all-season tires are able to last as long as possible once it’s time to use them again? Fortunately, there are storage solutions to help you do this.
It might seem like an art to make sure your tires are stored in the best possible ways, but these suggestions are easy, sensible, and effective. Even if you don’t store tires yourself, these are also good tips to give your clients when you become a mechanic. Here are four of the best ways to store tires.
1. The First Step to Storing Tires Properly Is to Clean Them Beforehand
Arguably the most essential and obvious step in the tire storage process, this is important largely because of how much grime, dirt and brake dust can build up on tires over time. Using a tire brush, along with soap and water, can be helpful in cleaning them, especially as the dirt can damage the tires if it has sat there for a long time. Wheels are also worth cleaning if the tires are still on their rims, and this can be done by using a towel to wipe them down. Dry them completely without applying dressing onto the tires.
2. Sealing Them in Airtight Bags—or Tote Bags—Is Also Helpful
You can use plastic, airtight garden or lawn bags to store tires once they have dried. Tape them shut after removing air from the bag to protect the tires from fluctuations in moisture and prevent the evaporation of the rubber’s lubrication oil. Otherwise, cracking and drying can occur. Alternatively, you can store tires using tote bags. While not airtight, they can make carrying the tires easier, and are more convenient than storing them in airtight plastic bags. However, it’s recommended you put them in plastic bags first before storing them in totes.
3. Students in Mechanic Courses Should Know to Keep Tires Out of the Sun
This has much to do with the tires’ black colour, as this causes them to absorb and soak up the sun’s heat, which can heat them up to 49 degrees Celsius or more. As a result of this and the sun’s ultraviolet rays, the rubber tends to break down more easily, and the tires’ life can be shortened. Students training in the automotive industry should know that tires should be stored indoors, such as a garage or basement. If they must be stored outside, be sure to cover them up.
4. If the Tires Have Whitewalls, Make Sure They Maintain Their Colour
One trick that students in mechanic courses should remember when storing tires with whitewalls or white letters is that they should be stacked among other white-coloured tires rather than mixed with black tires. This way, stacking tires white-to-white and black-to-black can help ensure that the white parts of the tires stay clean and untarnished. Otherwise, the white can become stained. Storing whitewalled tires in tote bags can help them maintain their colour, as well.
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