How To Store The Car Tires Properly

How To Store The Car Tires Properly - What to look for when storing? Twice a year, the Tire change from winter to summer tires and back is on the agenda. But what happens to the wheels in the meantime? AUTO BILD gives tips on how to store it correctly.

How To Store a Car Tire Well

It is based on the "From-O-to-O-Rule" in October and Easter time to change the tires. And at the latest then the question arises as to what should happen to the discarded summer or winter tires and, if necessary, alloy rims. In order for the bikes to be ready for use again next season, there are a few things to consider. First step: Thoroughly clean the wheels and tires before storage. Completely remove any cleaning agents with a lot of clear water, because acidic rim cleaners can attack the aluminium. Then subject each wheel to a close visual inspection to detect any damage to tires or rims. The following applies: In case of doubtful damage – for example, air loss, cracks or larger dents in the rim – always ask the expert (specialist workshop, tire service) for advice. 

This Way, Tires And Rims Are Stored Correctly

For complete wheels (tires on rims), it is recommended to increase the tyre air pressure by about 0.5 bar immediately before storage to compensate for any pressure losses during storage. For safety and driving comfort, it is important that the tires are reassembled in the correct position the next time they are used. Therefore, the wheel position should be marked with chalk or a wax pin on the inside of the tire during disassembly: Usually markings such as "VL" for the front left or "HR" for the rear right wheel are. If the tires wear differently on the front and rear axles, the wheels can also be exchanged between the axles (keep the respective side of the car). Note: The tires with the larger residual profile should always be mounted on the rear axle. In addition, the wheels may only be replaced in pairs, never changing individual wheels between the axles.

Check The Condition Of The Tires Before Storage

When disassembly, also check the tread depth of the tires. The legislator requires a residual profile of at least 1.6 millimeters for tires. However, the adhesion of a tire in wet conditions decreases significantly from a residual profile of less than four millimeters. Therefore, summer tires should have at least three millimeters remaining profile, winter tires at least four millimeters. If there are fewer, it is no longer worth storing the tires. Dispose of right from the Tyre dealer and order a new set! The same applies to tires older than six years, regardless of the residual profile. How old a tire is can be seen from the so-called DOT number on the tire flank.

Tires Are Best Stored In Dark

The storage of the wheels should take place in the most dry, cool and darkened environment possible. Because UV irradiation is particularly difficult for the rubber compound of the tires. While tires are mounted standing without rims, complete wheels should be stacked on top of each other. As a material saver, cardboard can also be placed between the tires. Alternatively, the tires can also be stacked on top of each other on a rim tree (from about 15 euros in the car parts trade). 

Conclusion

Another option is to store the wheels hanging on a special wall mount. Care must be taken to ensure that hard metal mounts do not damage the tires or the rim horn. A tip for care: The summer bikes can be freed from dirt and brake abrasion much more easily during the first car wash in spring, if a layer of hard wax was applied before storage.

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