Proper tire storage before installation is often overlooked, yet it’s crucial for maintaining tire integrity and ensuring safety on the road. Incorrect storage can lead to damage that might not be immediately obvious, creating potential hazards later. This is particularly important when considering the task of mounting old tires; their condition is heavily influenced by how they were kept. Understanding the best practices protects your investment and contributes significantly to overall vehicle safety and performance once the tires are finally mounted and rolling.
Essential Tire Preparation Before Storage
Before you even think about where or how to store your tires, a little prep work goes a long way. Taking the time to clean and inspect them thoroughly can prevent unpleasant surprises down the line, especially when dealing with tires that might sit for a while before use. This step is fundamental to preserving their condition.
Why Clean Tires Thoroughly Before Storing?
Think of it like putting away clean clothes versus dirty ones. Dirt, grime, brake dust, and road salts can be surprisingly corrosive or damaging to rubber compounds over time. Giving your tires a good wash with soap and water, and allowing them to dry completely, removes these harmful substances.
A clean surface also makes inspection much easier. Hidden issues like small punctures or the beginnings of sidewall cracks are more visible on a clean tire. This initial cleaning sets the stage for successful long-term storage.
Inspecting Tires for Pre-Existing Damage
Before storing, give each tire a careful once-over. You’re looking for any signs of damage that could worsen during storage or make the tire unsafe for future use, which is a critical step before even considering mounting old tires later on. Pay attention to the tread, sidewalls, and bead area (where the tire seals to the wheel).
Checking Tread Depth Adequacy
Ensure the tires have sufficient tread depth remaining. While storage itself doesn’t wear down tread, storing tires that are already near the wear limit might be pointless. Use a tread depth gauge to check; most states require a minimum depth, often 2/32nds of an inch, though replacing them sooner provides better wet traction and overall tire safety.
Remember the penny test as a quick check: insert a penny into the tread grooves with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of Abe’s head, the tread is likely too shallow, and storing this tire for future use might not be worthwhile or safe.
Looking for Sidewall Cracks and Cuts?
The sidewalls are crucial for structural integrity. Inspect them closely under good lighting for any signs of cracking, cuts, bulges, or blisters. Sidewall cracks, often caused by age, UV exposure, or underinflation, are serious warning signs.
Even minor-looking sidewall damage can compromise the tire’s ability to hold air or handle stress, increasing the risk of tire failure or a blowout risk once mounted. It’s far better to identify these issues before storage than after you’ve gone through the effort of preserving them.
Understanding the DOT Code Significance
Every tire sold in the US has a Department of Transportation (DOT) code stamped on the sidewall. This string of characters provides valuable information, including the week and year the tire was manufactured. The last four digits are key: the first two indicate the week, and the last two indicate the year (e.g., ‘3221’ means the 32nd week of 2021).
Knowing the tire age is vital. Rubber degrades over time, even in storage. Understanding the manufacturing date helps you gauge the remaining lifespan and make informed decisions, particularly when contemplating mounting old tires that might be approaching or exceeding the generally recommended tire age limit.
Ideal Storage Conditions for Tire Preservation
Once your tires are clean and inspected, where and how you store them makes a huge difference. Tires are sensitive to their environment. Providing the right conditions helps prevent premature aging and damage, ensuring they are in the best possible shape when it’s time for mounting.
The Best Location for Storing Tires
The ideal storage spot is cool, dry, dark, and clean. Basements or climate-controlled storage units are often good choices. Avoid storing tires outdoors, even under a cover, as they will be exposed to fluctuating temperatures, humidity, and potentially damaging UV light.
Garages can work, but be mindful of potential hazards like ozone-producing electric motors (furnaces, sump pumps, generators) or solvents and gasoline, which can accelerate rubber degradation. Good ventilation is less important than stable, moderate conditions.
Temperature Considerations for Rubber Health
Extreme heat and cold cycles are tough on rubber. Aim for a storage area with relatively stable, cool-to-moderate temperatures. Avoid attics, which can get extremely hot, or uninsulated sheds that experience freezing temperatures. Constant temperature fluctuations stress the rubber compound.
Ideally, keep tires in an area that stays above freezing and below typical room temperature. Consistent coolness slows the aging process of the rubber.
Avoiding Sunlight and UV Exposure
Direct sunlight and its ultraviolet (UV) rays are major enemies of tires. UV radiation breaks down the rubber compounds, causing them to dry out, become brittle, and develop cracks. This significantly shortens a tire’s safe lifespan.
Always store tires indoors, away from windows or direct sunlight. If you must store them near a window, ensure they are completely covered with opaque material.
Keeping Tires Away from Chemicals and Ozone Sources?
Yes, absolutely. Rubber can absorb chemicals, solvents, oils, grease, and gasoline, leading to damage. Keep tires away from areas where these substances are stored or used. Also, ozone, a gas produced by electric motors and generators, is particularly damaging to rubber, causing accelerated cracking.
Ensure your storage space is free from these chemical hazards and ozone sources. A clean, dedicated space is best for preserving tire integrity.
Proper Tire Positioning During Storage
How you physically place the tires during storage also matters. Incorrect positioning can lead to flat spots or distortion over time, potentially causing vibration problems or handling issues after mounting. The best method depends on whether the tires are mounted on rims or not.
Stacking vs Standing Tires Which is Better?
If tires are stored without rims, the best practice is to stand them upright, side-by-side. Rotate their position periodically (e.g., monthly) to prevent flat spots from developing where they rest on the ground. Avoid laying them flat or stacking them horizontally for long periods, as the weight can distort the lower tires.
If tires are stored while mounted on wheels, stacking them horizontally (whitewall-to-whitewall, if applicable) is preferred. You can also hang them from hooks through the wheel rim, but ensure the hooks don’t damage the wheel finish. Standing mounted tires upright for extended periods can put stress on one area of the sidewall.
| Storage Method | Tires Only (Unmounted) | Tires on Wheels (Mounted) |
|---|---|---|
| Standing Upright | Preferred (Rotate monthly) | Not Recommended (Long-term) |
| Stacking Horizontally | Not Recommended (Long-term) | Preferred |
| Hanging | Not Recommended | Acceptable (By wheel, avoid rim damage) |
Using Tire Totes or Bags Benefits
Specially designed tire totes or opaque plastic bags offer several advantages. They help keep the tires clean and shield them from dust and moisture. Importantly, opaque bags also provide protection against UV light exposure if complete darkness isn’t achievable.
Before bagging, ensure the tires are perfectly clean and dry. Avoid sealing the bags completely airtight if there’s any chance of moisture being trapped inside, as this could promote mold or mildew. Many tire totes have handles, making transport easier as well.
Special Considerations for Tires Mounted on Rims
If you’re storing tires that are already mounted on wheels (like a seasonal set of winter tires), there are a couple of extra points. Reduce the air pressure to about half of the recommended driving pressure (e.g., around 15 PSI). This helps reduce stress on the tire carcass and rim during storage.
As mentioned, stacking these mounted tires horizontally is generally the best approach. Remember to clean the wheels as well as the tires before storage to prevent brake dust from pitting the finish over time.
Risks and Realities of Mounting Stored Tires
Storing tires correctly is only half the battle. When it’s finally time to put them on your vehicle, especially if they’ve been stored for a long time, careful consideration and inspection are paramount. The process and potential pitfalls associated with mounting old tires require attention to ensure safety.
Tire Age Limit Is There a Magic Number?
While there’s no single, universally mandated expiration date like on food, most vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires around 6 to 10 years from their date of manufacture (found on the DOT code), regardless of tread depth. This is due to the invisible aging process of rubber.
Factors like storage conditions, usage history (if any), and climate significantly impact how quickly a tire ages. A tire stored improperly for 5 years could be in worse condition than one stored perfectly for 8 years. Therefore, age is a guideline, not an absolute rule, but a critical factor when mounting old tires.
How Rubber Degradation Affects Safety
Over time, the chemical compounds in rubber break down due to exposure to oxygen, heat, and ozone. This process, known as oxidation or rubber degradation, causes the rubber to lose its elasticity, becoming harder and more brittle. This isn’t always visible externally.
Degraded rubber is less able to flex under load, grip the road effectively (especially in wet conditions), and resist punctures or impacts. This dramatically increases the risk of sudden tire failure, tread separation, or a blowout risk, even if the tire looks visually okay and has ample tread depth. Ensuring structural integrity is key.
Professional Advice on Tire Age Before Mounting
Most reputable tire shops advocate for caution regarding tire age. While they might mount a tire older than 6 years if it passes a rigorous inspection, many become hesitant around the 10-year mark. Their concern centers on tire safety and potential liability issues.
Always consult with a trusted tire professional. They can assess the tire’s condition beyond just the DOT code, looking for subtle signs of aging like micro-cracking or hardness, before proceeding with mounting old tires.
Key Checks Before Proceeding with Mounting Old Tires
Before any tire, especially one that’s been stored or is of significant age, gets mounted, a thorough re-inspection is crucial. Storage conditions might not have been perfect, or subtle degradation might have occurred. Don’t assume a tire that looked good going into storage is still safe coming out.
Re-Inspection Importance After Storage
Perform the same detailed inspection you did before storage. Check the tread depth again, meticulously examine the sidewalls inside and out for any new cracks, cuts, or bulges. Feel the rubber – does it feel excessively hard or brittle?
Look closely at the bead area for any damage, chunking, or deformation that could prevent a proper seal on the rim, potentially leading to air leaks. This check is vital for used tire safety.
Checking for Hidden Damage or Flat Spots
Carefully inspect the inner liner of the tire for any patches, plugs, or signs of previous repair you might have missed initially. Improper repairs can compromise the tire’s structure. Also, look and feel for any flat spots or distortions caused by improper storage positioning.
While minor flat spots might round out after driving a few miles, significant distortion could cause persistent vibration problems or indicate internal damage. Any doubts should prompt replacement rather than risking mounting unsafe tires.
Why Some Tire Shops Refuse Mounting Old Tires?
You might encounter situations where a tire shop declines to mount tires you bring them, particularly if they are old or their history is unknown. This isn’t usually about inconvenience; it’s primarily driven by safety concerns and legal responsibilities.
Understanding Liability Issues and Safety Concerns
Tire shops face significant liability if a tire they mount fails and causes an accident. Mounting old tires carries inherent risks due to potential unseen rubber degradation or structural weaknesses. Even with a thorough visual inspection, hidden damage can exist.
To protect themselves and their customers, many shops have policies against mounting tires over a certain age (often 6-10 years) or tires showing any signs of questionable condition (like improper repairs or significant cracking). This refusal is rooted in promoting tire safety and minimizing mounting risks.
The Impact of Tire Storage Effects on Mountability
How a tire was stored directly impacts its condition and a shop’s willingness to mount it. A tire left outside, exposed to sun and weather, will degrade much faster than one stored correctly. Shops cannot verify the storage history of customer-supplied tires.
This uncertainty about tire storage effects, combined with age, makes mounting old tires a gamble they often prefer not to take. They prioritize vehicle safety impact over completing a potentially hazardous mounting job.
The Mounting Process Proper Techniques and Safety
Once a tire passes inspection and is deemed safe for use, the mounting process itself must be done correctly. Proper techniques and equipment are essential to avoid damaging the tire or wheel and to ensure a safe, balanced, and leak-free fit. This applies whether you’re tackling it yourself or using a professional service.
Professional Mounting Service vs DIY Tire Mounting
While it might seem tempting to save money with DIY tire mounting, it’s generally recommended to use a professional mounting service. Tire shops have specialized equipment and trained technicians who understand the nuances of safe mounting.
Attempting manual tire mounting without the right knowledge or proper tools usage can easily lead to bead damage, rim damage, improper sealing causing air leaks, or even personal injury. The potential savings often don’t outweigh the mounting risks.
Required Tire Mounting Tools for DIY?
Proper DIY mounting requires more than just basic hand tools. You’d typically need sturdy tire irons or a manual tire changer machine, bead breaker tools, rim protectors, a suitable tire lubricant, a valve core tool, an accurate tire pressure gauge, and potentially tools for TPMS reset if your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
Using inadequate tools, like screwdrivers instead of proper pry bar technique with tire spoons, almost guarantees damage to the tire bead or the wheel rim finish. The investment in correct tire mounting tools can be substantial.
Risks of Improper Manual Tire Mounting
The risks associated with DIY or improper mounting are significant. Damaging the tire bead during mounting can prevent it from sealing correctly, leading to slow leaks or even catastrophic failure. Scratching or gouging the wheel rim not only looks bad but can also create points for corrosion or air leaks.
Incorrect bead seating can cause vibrations and handling issues. Failing to replace the valve stem or properly balance the wheel/tire assembly compromises safety and ride quality. Considering the potential tire failure causes, professional service is often the safer choice, especially when mounting old tires.
Critical Steps in Professional Tire Mounting
A professional tire technician follows a specific process to ensure tires are mounted safely and correctly. This involves several key steps beyond just getting the tire onto the wheel.
Rim Inspection and Preparation
Before mounting, the technician will inspect the wheel rim for any damage, corrosion, or bends that could affect sealing or balance. The bead seating area on the rim must be clean and smooth. Any rust or debris is removed to ensure an airtight seal.
This rim inspection is crucial, as mounting a good tire on a damaged rim can lead to problems. They will confirm the rim size matches the tire specifications.
Valve Stem Replacement Necessity
Most professional shops insist on replacing the valve stem every time a tire is mounted. Rubber valve stems degrade over time, becoming brittle and prone to cracking or leaking. Even metal stems or those integrated with a TPMS sensor have rubber seals that wear out.
A new valve stem is inexpensive insurance against slow leaks or a sudden loss of pressure caused by stem failure. This is a standard part of quality tire service.
Importance of Proper Bead Seating and Lubrication
Getting the tire bead (the edge of the tire) over the wheel rim flange without damage requires proper technique and lubrication. Technicians use specialized tire lubricant (never oil or silicone-based products) to help the bead slide into place smoothly.
They use a tire mounting machine designed to apply force correctly. Ensuring proper bead seating on both sides of the rim is critical for an airtight seal and the tire’s overall structural integrity once inflated.
Post-Mounting Essentials Wheel Balancing and Pressure Check
Mounting the tire is just one part of the process. Ensuring the wheel and tire assembly is correctly balanced and inflated is equally important for safety and performance. These final steps should never be skipped.
Why Wheel Balancing Importance Cannot Be Overstated
No tire and wheel combination is perfectly balanced in terms of weight distribution. Even slight imbalances cause vibrations at speed, leading to uneven tire wear, handling issues, unnecessary stress on suspension components, and reduced ride comfort. Wheel balancing corrects these imbalances.
Technicians use a computerized wheel balancing machine to spin the assembly and identify heavy spots. Small counterweights are then attached to the rim to achieve optimal balance. This step is vital after every tire mounting, including seasonal tire changeover or when mounting old tires.
Ensuring Correct Tire Pressure Check and TPMS Reset
Finally, the tire must be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure (found on the driver’s side doorjamb sticker, not the maximum pressure on the tire sidewall). An accurate tire pressure check is essential for safety, handling, fuel economy, and tire life.
If the vehicle has a TPMS, the system may need to be reset or sensors relearned after tire service. Technicians have the tools and knowledge to perform the TPMS reset correctly, ensuring the system functions as intended to warn you of low pressure.