Best Practices for Storing Spare Commercial Tires
Your commercial tires are expensive investments. Storing commercial tires properly can reduce the risk of degradation and deformation, which may require premature replacement. Proper storage can also extend the life of your tires.
Here are some tips to help you keep them protected in storage.
Wash Your Tires
Use detergent and scrub your tires before storing them. Doing so removes dirt, debris, oil and other contaminants that could negatively affect the tire’s integrity over time. Ensure your tires are completely dry and avoid protectants, finishes or glosses.
Store Tires in the Right Environment
Indoor storage is preferable because it reduces exposure to weather, temperature fluctuations and debris. The rubber compounds in commercial tires may degrade or alter if they’re consistently exposed to extreme heat or cold, so it’s important to find a storage space with a temperature between 32⁰ to 77⁰ F.
Protect your commercial spare tires from moisture by wrapping them in plastic bags and removing air with a vacuum. If you store your tires outside, keep them elevated so they don’t encounter dirt and moisture. Cover them with a tarp to protect them from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
Stack Commercial Tires Properly
You can stack your tires horizontally or stand them vertically. Standing them side by side is recommended as it reduces the amount of stress on dismounted tires.
If you store tires horizontally, be careful not to stack them too high, as that can pose a safety risk if they topple. Store commercial tires in four- to six-foot stacks on a pallet. Keep white walls facing each other to avoid staining and discoloration. Stacking your tires in storage is also an effective option if you keep them mounted on the rims.
You may also hang spare commercial tires if you plan to keep them mounted as the rims prevent tire deformation.
Keep Tires Away from Chemicals
Ozone is bad for tire rubber and can increase the rate of wear and degradation. Store your commercial tires away from sunlight and keep them away from ozone-emitting machinery.
That includes:
- Generators
- Battery chargers
- Compressors
- Sump pumps
- Welding equipment
- Furnaces
- Switches
Avoid contact with oil, gasoline, solvents and lubricants as exposure to those chemicals could alter the rubber compounds in commercial tires.
Inspect Stored Tires Regularly
Checking your stored spare tires at least once a month allows you to spot signs of deformation before your tires sustain permanent damage.
It’s important to rotate horizontally stored tires periodically to prevent excess wear on the bottom tire. Too much pressure can result in cracks, flaking and sidewall bulging. It’s also important to spin vertically stored tires to prevent common tire problems like flat spots on the tread.
Monitor air pressure if you keep your tires mounted on the rims in storage. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for appropriate tire pressure. Temperature fluctuations can affect tire inflation so be careful to avoid under- or over-inflating them. Ensure valve caps are secure to prevent air leaks and contamination.
Assess Long-Term Tire Storage Needs
It’s important to maintain a consistent climate when storing commercial tires for several months at a time. Prep your storage space by sweeping and cleaning away grime and contaminants. If the storage space is exposed to the elements, conduct regular inspections to clear away accumulated debris.
Keep your tires dry and avoid moisture as much as possible. You may need to invest in a dehumidifier if you store your tires in a damp space to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Tire Maintenance Programs for Commercial Fleets
Bauer Built offers comprehensive tire maintenance programs for fleets of all sizes. Our maintenance capabilities include alignments, repairs, replacements, inflation, performance tracking and mounting/dismounting. Find a location near you to schedule service.
Categories: Bauer Built Blog