Every motorist has to change rubber twice a year. And everyone has to deal with a number of questions related to the conservation of the tires set.
At first glance, everything was simple: turned the newspapers-and on the balcony. True, when the wheels need to change again after six months, it is often revealed that the rubber has cracked and has become unusable. Here's the question: why did it happen? Maybe we just need to keep the tires off with the CDs. Or do you have to process it with special tools? Is it possible to put wheels on each other, or do you have to put it in a row? All these questions are answered, and the drivers who know them are kept safe and sound.
How do I prepare rubber for seasonal storage?
First of all, after tires or wheels are removed for replacement, it is worth deciding whether or not to keep them for the next season. This can be determined by measuring the tread depth or by setting the shelf life of the cover. The term "rubber" is usually five years and the date of production can be studied by marking: first two digits-week and year of issue.
If the condition is satisfactory, the main task is not to worsen it during the storage process. First, it is recommended to remove all foreign elements such as gravel, chemicals (for example, gasoline), and so on. Otherwise, the same gasoline will eat rubber for several months. Purge wheels can be used by means of special means, which are sold at petrol stations and in car shops, as well as by conventional water with soap.
In addition, there are many special tools for handling tyres to protect them from drying up. However, most autoenthusiasts do not use them, since it is quite problematic to remove the leftoff of these solutions after storage.
For vertical storage, you can use wooden or metal pallets with separate cells for each tire
The next step is to mark the covers-front and rear, left and right. You can do this, for example, by gluking the signed stickers. If the tread on the tyres has a directional pattern and the tyres are stored on the disks, then the wheels of the front and rear axles must be marked after removal. One way to do this is colour-colored caps of gold miners that can be purchased at any auto parts store.
Once the wheels are ready for storage, it remains to be correct to determine where they will be waiting.
Ideal storage space for tyres
Winter and summer tyres have different rubber composition, so the specialists do not recommend to keep the wheels in those temperature conditions which are not intended for them. For example, summer rubber is likely to suffer if it is put into winter in an unheated garage, and the winter in turn is not recommended to be stored, for example, in an iron wagon in the sun. Ideally, not only about 20 degrees, but also a moist humidity of no more than 60%, are needed to keep flying tires.
Keeping the wheels in a vertical position may cause the casing to be deformed under the weight of the disc
In addition, chemically aggressive substances shall not be present in close proximity to the rubber.
It is also not recommended to store rubber on the street. Over a few months the tires will be repeatedly exposed to different "attacks" of nature, such as dew, sun rays, rain, temperature swings-all this leads to the destruction of the rubber composition of the tyres.
Should the tires be deposited with specialists?
Indeed, it is not easy to find a suitable place. In addition, many motorists do not have a garage or warehouse in their possession. That is why there are special companies in the market of car services that offer to keep your tires at the right time.
When selecting a company or firm that you want to store a wheel, you should pay attention to storage conditions, a storage contract that must contain information about the conditions and responsibilities that the company is responsible for spoilage. The warehouse shall be equipped with a hydrometer (air humidity measuring device) and a thermometer.
General rules for storage of rubber
The rubber storage rules will vary depending on whether they are on the tires or separately.
If the wheels are in the assembly, one of the possible storage options is to hang on a rope or rope at the center of the disc. Another way is to just fold them into each other's flat. The tyres shall be inflated to the normal level or slightly lower. Storing the wheels in a vertical position may cause the tire to be deformed under the weight of the disc. Fast ride to such rubber is not recommended, as the deformed part of the tyre will have improper clutch of the pavement, which will lead to very rapid wear of the tyre, and in the worst case of a rift at a high speed.
If you store the wheels in bags or packages, they shall not be hermetically sealed-condensation may cause corrosion to the case if the rubber is stored on the disks
When the tires are stored without disks, the storage rules are different. In this case, the covers are recommended to be vertical. To do this, you can use wooden or metal pallets with separate cells for each tire. At the same time, some experts say it is necessary to rotate each tire for 15 to 20 degrees once a month. The others are 180 degrees, but also monthly. If you leave the tires folded one to the other, there is a high probability of permanent deformation of the tread, which will result in a reduction in its coupling quality with the pavement.
The second storage method is to hold a rope or rope, as well as the wheels in the assembly.
In most installation workshops, the wheels or tires removed from the vehicle are proposed to be packed in packages. Of course, it is a good way to transport them to a place of storage without being afraid to get the upholstery or trunk upholstery. But leaving the rubber in this form for a few months is not recommended. Tyres shall be well ventilated. If you choose to keep the wheels in bags or packages, they shall not be hermetically sealed-condensation may cause corrosion to the rubber if the rubber is stored on the disks.
It is not important, therefore, whether the wheels are kept together with the discs or separately. It is important to find a suitable place with the appropriate temperature and humidity, clean the wheels, and fold them properly. Then, with the onset of the next season, the tires will be in the same condition as they were before they were canned.
