8 rules for storing tyres
Tyres do not age in the same way as food - in the right storage conditions they do not lose their properties. An unused tyre that is a couple of years old is just as good as a tyre produced yesterday or a few months ago. Operation is the main factor affecting the life of tyres, especially if it is incorrect – it has a significant impact on tyres’ parameters, performance and safety level of the traveling vehicle.
Due to the fact that tyres are the only part of vehicle in contact with the road operational tyres are a prerequisite for driving safely. So how should one take care their tyres so that they serve them the for a long time?
One of the most important factors affecting the deceleration of tyre wear is the correct pressure in the wheel. According to the Moto Data’s research, as many as 58%[1] of drivers check the tyre pressure too rarely. Many do not know the advantages of regularly controlling this parameter, which has a big impact on safety and energy-efficient driving. Under-inflation of tyres causes overloading of the wheels, overheating and loss of the optimal adhesion of the car to the roadway. In addition, the pressure reduced by up to 0.5 bar in relation to the values recommended by the manufacturer, extends the braking distance by up to 4 meters and increases the tiring noise. Developing the habit of checking the pressure each time the car is refuelled will significantly reduce fuel consumption, and thus generate savings.
–Tyres virtually do not age when stored properly. Physicochemical changes in tyres occur mainly during use and are caused by warming of the tyre during driving, tension resulting from pressure, deformations and other factors that do not occur in the storage process. Pressure control lasts only a few minutes and reduces fuel and tyre consumption and at the same time increases driving safety – points out Piotr Sarnecki, Director General of Polish Tyre Industry Association (PTIA). – Dangerous damage to the inner layers of the tyre caused by driving with low pressure cannot be seen with the naked eye – he adds.
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Smart storage - 8 principles
New tyres can be stored even for a few years - under proper conditions tyres will retain their good quality. The condition of tyres and the way they are stored directly affects the safety of drivers and their lifespan. Do not store tyres simply anywhere – here are the basic rules:
Buying used tyres is a gamble
Before the arrival of spring, many drivers are considering buying another set of tyres. One should start looking for the best options and checking tyre tests in advance. Let's remember one thing - buying used tyres is a mistake. The depth of the tread is just a superficial aspect. The biggest problem is that one does not know the history of exploitation of such a tyre – whether it was notoriously driving with low pressure, whether it was not incorrectly repaired or how many times. It is not possible to assess the durability of a tyre that comes from an unknown source. It is also impossible to see any internal damage that can lead to the tyre burst while driving. Used tyres carry a big danger of sudden breakdowns and may cause damage to other vehicle components. Tyres are relatively easy to damage - the inner layers can be seriously damaged just by driving over a curb at a higher speed or driving for several hundred kilometres with under-inflated tyres.
– Choosing to purchase used tyres is like buying a pig in a poke - the driver can never be sure that he will reach the destination safely. The durability of tyres from an uncertain source cannot be estimated. One should not skimp on safety - especially since at a speed of 120-130 km/h, the popular sized tyre reaches over 1000 rpm. The driver cannot question its strength at that moment – adds Piotr Sarnecki.
Source: Polish Tyre Industry Association