Just curious how long tires can be in storage before they become unsafe. I was thinking of putting my OEM(18inch ps2) rims back on my car until the weather get warmer, I am tired of my winters and dont want to run the risk of damaging my 19's. The last time I used them was in summer of 2006. Any tips on what I should look for?

Originally they were in my basement, but I think they stayed in the garage this past winter.

Peter

 

Look for cracks/checking in the sidewalls - that's about it. I wouldn't want to use a tire that was more than 8-10 years old no matter how it was stored.

AD

 

If you can I'd even go as far as to remove one from the rim and check on the inside as well if your really worried.

 

is it better to keep them deflated or inflated?

also, should i armor-all them for longevity?


I have a set of rims/tires from an old car i'd like to keep and i'm i want to know the best way to store them for a few years, thanks. (sorry for the thread-jack)

 

Check them for dry rot. Tires can sit a long time before you but them new so if your concerned about them bring them to a tire shop and see what they say. Remember to take what they say with a grain of salt.

I wouldn't use Armor all on them I heard that it not good for the tires---Armor all---I think it promotes dryrot.

 

Don't use tire shine. My friend's sidewalls got ripped on 3 of 4 tires from putting on tire shine 2 weeks prior... on the the highway.

 

Peter , I think they will be fine, as long as they were out of the sun and dampness.
I think a visual check for cracking would be fine, I really don't think it is a problem.

 

tires are actually fairly sensitive when being stored. probably the biggest threat is humidity from the air in the tires. the best way to check is to dismount the tires and check the inside. the cords can rust.
check whether the rubber is dry or powdery. if it's stiff or crumbly, don't use 'em.
tires can dry out and loose all their oils (which hardens the rubber and makes it loose grip), in as short as a month or two, depending on storage conditions.

 

^+1

Proof is with those who swap out winter/summers season year after year. I'm sure both of us have lots of years of that.

 

If anyone knows?

 

I don't think it really matters.
Tons of people have multiple sets of wheels & rubber mounted & ready for action.
....snows/track/spring-fall/summers.
I've never had a problem IF stored properly, like Wayne said.

 

This made me Yes, TONS of people.

 

LOL.... I thought I'd get it in the ear from you.

 

they should be inflated. if they are deflated, the weight of the rim can cause the tire to crack.

 

Transport Canada has some suggestions for seasonal tire storage:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/tp/tp2823/systems.htm

I stored my mounted tires inside and unheated, upright (leaning against other tires). I didn't think to deflate the tires but according to some of the info in this thread it is a good idea to leave them inflated. Not sure if the guys who mounted them inflated them or not. Guess I'll find out this weekend.