David Blows

Well, the subject line should have got your attention! Unfortunately, the follow up (through?) is far less interesting. At the weekend I collected a set of unused tyres and wheels (hi Ian - did you look at the Evo?). Since January last year they've been stored in a loft. And they won't go on my motor for at least another year. So today's daft question is: do tyres perish? Is there anything I can do storage-wise/protection-wise to preserve them? At the moment, I'm planning to leave them in the loft (stacked or side-by-side?). But I'd be hugely grateful if there are any rubber experts (not the exotic party-goer types) who can offer me useful advice.

Ta.

Doc

Tyres do perish. They also get harder as they age.

They perish more quickly in UV light so keep them in the dark.

I remember seeing a product which allegedly reinstates the grippiness of old tyres lost due to hardening. I think it was in the Demon Tweeks motorsport catalogue but I may be wrong.

If you have any doubts about the tyres get some new ones. They are the only thing keeping you in contact with the road.

AlexM

Doc is right about the UV perishing the rubber - keep them in the attic/celler and you should be fine.

When you fit them to the car, check a short while after fitting to see if there is any cracking in the sidewall, or any suspicious looking bulges. You should be fine storing them for two years - I've had tyres fitted and in use for longer than that (low mileage, lots of standing between periods of use).

Cheers,

Alex

David Blows

Thanks Guys. Very helpful. One other thing - do you think it makes any difference if they're stacked on top of each other, or would they be better side-by-side (not that I have that much room in the loft: I'll have to check...).

AlexM

I can't imagine it really matters - you'll be ok either way.

Alex