Is it okay to store tires on concrete?

Note: It's also best to place the tires on top of a piece of wood, or other barrier rather than directly on the ground or concrete. This will help protect against excessive moisture gathering on the tires. Alternatively, you can use one of the many commercially available tire racks which are garage/wall mounted.

What do you put under your tires when storing?

Air up the tires before winter car storage (don't exceed the maximum inflation) and if possible, park the vehicle on squares of two-inch foam board insulation. This will help lessen the chance that the tires will develop flat spots from sitting for months.

Will concrete damage tires?

It's true that concrete tends to be alkaline, but unless it's powdered, sprinkled over your tires, and constantly exposed to wet-dry cycles, it won't do any harm to your tires.

Do tires dry rot on concrete?

Your best bet is to put the car up on blocks or jack stands so the tires are off the concrete. Even that won't totally protect them, but is better than the alternative, doing nothing. Tires dry rot even being used daily.

Where is the best place to store tires?

A basement or climate-controlled space works best whereas a standard garage, shed or attic often see a wide range of hot and cold temperatures as well as precipitation and humidity. Make sure to store your tires away from things like electric motors, furnaces, switches, and sump pumps because they are sources of ozone.

How to Properly Store Tires

Is it OK to store tires outside?

If at all possible, do not store your tires outside or in an area that's subject to swings in temperature. Even covered, tires stored outside are exposed to harmful environmental changes. Your best bet for storing tires is in a climate-controlled basement, garage, or workshop.

Do tires dry rot in storage?

Tires are kept moist by oils and resins that are mixed in with the rubber during the manufacturing process. These oils and resins are only activated when a tire is in motion. Therefore, tires that are immobile for an extended period of time (such as stored tires) are more prone to developing dry rotting.

How do you store tires without dry rotting?

How long can tires sit before dry rot?

In arid climates, tire dry rot can set in after as little as five years. Meanwhile, more humid environments tend to slow down the dry rot process, because they aren't as conducive to the splintering and cracking tire dry rot causes.

How long does it take for tires to dry rot in a garage?

Dry rotting is more prevalent in tires that are stationary for a period of three months or more. This is because tires are kept moist by resins and oils within the rubber; these oils need downward pressure to be activated, and such pressure comes from coming into regular weighted contact with the road during driving.

How long can tires sit in a garage?

Overall, the time limits for stored tires are much the same as for tires that are being used. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and official manufacturers suggest a tire is only 100% safe to use until it turns 5-6 years old.

How do you protect tires on a concrete floor?

There are a variety of things that can be used as parking pads to protect tires and extend their life. There are special pads for this purpose, I've used wood and now I use cutting boards, inexpensive ones from Walmart will do. Whatever you use should be large enough to support the entire footprint of each tire.

What can destroy tires?

Tires can become damaged for a variety of reasons, and it can happen without the driver being immediately aware there's a problem. The most common types of damage are punctures, cuts, impacts, cracks, bulges and irregular wear.

Is it better to store tires mounted or unmounted?

Never hang unmounted tires as this can distort and damage them. Tires will age. But these tips will help extend their life. If you want to make sure that the storing of your tires is in professional hands we would recommend to let them be stored at your tire dealer.

Should tire storage be vertical or horizontal?

Tires mounted on rims are best stored vertically so that they don't get deformities. If that's not possible to put them away vertically then make sure to rotate the tire's position once a month to ensure they keep their shape.

Are stored tires a fire hazard?

Proper storage of tires is critical. Properly stored new tires are an acceptable fire hazard subject to appropriate racking and clearances which allow for firefighting access.

Do tires rot if not used?

Resins in the tire compound are designed to protect the rubber, but only if it's actively engaged and in motion. The longer a vehicle sits unused, the more likely dry rot will develop. This is especially true if the tires are outside and exposed to fluctuating temperatures and direct sunlight.

How long can tires sit without moving?

Tires can last for several years in storage if they are stored in the right conditions. However, many tire experts recommend replacing tires six years after their production date regardless of the tread.

Can you reverse dry rot on tires?

While your tires may develop dry rot without failing, it might be a good idea to replace them pretty quickly. Although modern rubber compounds have become far more advanced, helping tires resist dry rot, once it sets in, there's no way to reverse or fix it; it'll only get worse.

Is it OK to store tires in a shed?

It's best to store your tires indoors.

Put them in your garden shed, for example, if you have one. Make sure that the storage area is dry, well ventilated and temperate. Avoid keeping them close to any heat source that would unnecessarily heat up the rubber on your tires.

What protects rubber tires from dry rotting?

Ozone and ultraviolet (UV) light are the primary environmental causes of tire dry rot. Tire manufacturers blend chemical ingredients into the tire during the manufacturing process in an effort to combat dry rot caused by ozone and UV exposure. Carbon black is added to the rubber to protect the tires from UV light.

Is it safe to store tires in your house?

Store your tires in a clean, cool, and dry location, preferably indoors. Storing your tires indoors is better than keeping them outside, since there is less temperature and humidity variation indoors than there is outside.

Should you store tires in plastic bags?

Storing your tires in bags (opaque and airtight) is recommended if you're able to store your tires indoors. Lawn and leaf bags are often good for this task, sealed shut with a heavy-duty tape to help keep out the elements.

Can you spray WD40 on tires?

While there are some risks associated with using WD40 on your tires, it is generally considered to be safe. However, as we mentioned before, it is a petroleum-based product and can dry out your tires if used too frequently.

What is the best way to store tires outside?

If you are storing outdoors (recommended for a short time only), raise tires off the ground and use waterproof covering with holes to prevent moisture build-up. Be sure the surfaces on which tires are stored are clean and free from grease, gasoline, solvents, oils or other substances that could deteriorate the rubber.