Tires naturally degenerate over time*1. However, it is possible to extend the life of a tire by paying attention to the factors that lead to degradation when storing tires. *1 Rubber weakens year-by-year and cracks start to appear on the tire surface as degradation advances.
Seven points to remember for tire storage
1. Reduce air pressure to around half the specified level*2
You can lessen the burden on the rubber and minimize degradation and cracking by removing air from a tire. *2 Tire air pressure specified for each car.
2. Store tires on flat ground and still attached to the wheels
We recommend keeping the tires attached to the wheels as this helps avoid distortion in shape. You can lay the tires on top of each other on flat ground, but be careful that the shape of the tires underneath does not become distorted. The lateral face of the tires may become distorted if you lay them on top of each other, so we recommend storing them vertically.
(A) Tires stored on top of each other (B) Tires stored vertically
3. Avoid direct sunlight
Ultraviolet light causes rubber to degenerate. Store tires in a dark place under cover to avoid direct sunlight.
4. Avoid rain and moisture
This can cause the rubber to deteriorate and the steel cord inside the tire to rust.
5. Avoid heat and oil
Rubber absorbs oil, so make sure the tires are wiped clean before storage. Also, hot environments accelerate rubber degradation, so be sure to keep the tires in a cool place.
6. Avoid electric sparks from equipment
Ozone from motors or batteries causes rubber to crack.
7. Do not store directly on the ground
Make sure the tires are not touching the ground by placing cardboard or a wooden board between them and the ground