How to prevent tire dry rot in long-term storage

Tire dry rot is a common problem that occurs when tires are stored for extended periods of time. Dry rot is caused by the breakdown of the tire’s rubber compound, which can lead to cracks, brittleness, and reduced tire performance. We at NYC Mini Storage have plenty of experience regarding this matter, so we’ve decided to write this article and help you out. Here are some steps you can follow to prevent tire dry rot in long-term storage.

Store tires in a cool and dry location

Storing tires in a cool and dry location is essential to prevent tire dry rot in long-term storage. Direct sunlight and heat can cause rubber breakdown, while moisture can accelerate the process. To avoid these factors, tires should be stored in a location that is cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight. This can be achieved by using a storage facility or a garage that is well-ventilated and climate-controlled. Our car storage NYC facilities and services can cater to every need you and your vehicle might have. Using a reliable storage company is equally important as following these steps to ensure your tires are in top condition throughout their stay there. Let’s continue with the next steps in tire maintenance.

Keep the tires off the ground to prevent tire dry rot in long-term storage

Placing tires directly on the ground can cause the rubber to absorb moisture and chemicals from the surface, accelerating the breakdown process. Keeping tires off the ground is therefore crucial to prevent tire dry rot in long-term storage. To avoid this, use a tire rack, shelf, or hang the tires to keep them off the ground. This also helps to prevent flat spots from forming, which can be a problem if tires are left stationary for an extended period. By keeping tires off the ground and storing them properly, you will prolong their lifespan and ensure they are in good condition when you’re ready to use them. Use the best storage near NYC you can find for optimal storage options. 

Avoid storing tires near oils or solvents

Avoiding storing tires near oils or solvents is crucial to prevent tire dry rot in long-term storage. Solvents and oils can cause the rubber in tires to break down more quickly, leading to cracks and brittleness. This can compromise the tire’s performance and safety when you eventually use them. Therefore, it’s important to store tires away from these substances in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location. Make sure to inspect the storage area and remove any items that contain oils or solvents before storing the tires. If you’re storing tires in a garage or a Manhattan storage NYC facility, ensure that they are well away from any chemical-based products, such as cleaning supplies or motor oil.

Clean and dry tires before storing 

Dirt and moisture can accelerate the breakdown process, causing the rubber to deteriorate more quickly. Therefore, it’s important to clean the tires thoroughly with soap and water and dry them completely before storing them. This helps to remove any contaminants that may have accumulated on the surface of the tire and reduce the amount of moisture that may be trapped in the tire. After cleaning, inspect the tires for any signs of damage or wear and repair them as necessary. Once the tires are clean and dry, store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location. The ideal place would be a climate-controlled storage unit. This will help prevent moisture and direct sunlight from causing further damage to the tires.

Rotate the tires 

If you plan to store tires for an extended period, consider rotating them every six months. This helps to prevent flat spots from forming and reduces the likelihood of dry rot. Flat spots form when a tire remains stationary for an extended period, causing the rubber to deform in one spot. This can lead to uneven wear and a reduction in the tire’s overall lifespan. By rotating the tires, you can distribute the weight of the vehicle evenly across all tires. This will prevent flat spots from forming. Additionally, rotating the tires allows you to inspect them for any signs of damage or wear that may require attention before storage. Rotating the tires before storage can help prevent tire dry rot and ensure that they remain in good condition for use when needed.

Inflate tires to recommended pressure 

Inflating tires to the recommended pressure before storage is essential to prevent tire dry rot in long-term storage. When tires are underinflated, they are more susceptible to developing flat spots, which can lead to uneven wear and tear. In addition, underinflated tires can cause the sidewalls to flex excessively, leading to cracking and dry rot. Therefore, it’s important to check the tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended level before storage. This helps to maintain the proper shape of the tire, reducing the likelihood of flat spots and sidewall flexing. It’s also important to check the tire pressure periodically during storage and reinflate as necessary.

A final word on preventing tire dry rot in long-term storage

As we’ve seen, there are several key steps you should follow to prevent tire dry rot in long-term storage. None is more important than the other, so don’t forget to dot all i’s and cross all t’s. But what’s also equally important is keeping your tires in a reliable storage facility. You should not only trust their storage units, options, and services but the people there as well. If you have a need for long term storage NYC, only do business with reliable and trustworthy companies.