Shelf life on tires?

[unleadedbrew]

I changed to 17" ZR1 wheels which meant new tires. Now I have my stock 9 1/2
inch 16s with Yokohamas mounted that have only about 1500 miles on them. I don't really want to get rid of these so I'd like to know how long before they start to deteriorate, just sitting around under a tire stack cover? How can I maintain them or can I? Should I 'dis-mount' them, take the air out, leave as is or what? Any info is appreciated.
Thanks,

_Gordon

 

[JohnZ]

What kills tires is heat, ozone, and UV exposure; I'd put each one in a large black garbage bag and store them in the basement. I ditch tires after they're ten years old, regardless of mileage; cheap insurance.

 

[unleadedbrew]

Thanks, JohnZ.......Looks like I can sit on them for awhile. _Gordon

 

[Ken]

This subject recently appeared in my Old Cars Weekly News & Marketplace Q&A column:

I've read in Road & Track magazine that tires should be replaced at least every six years, even if they are not worn out, because the rubber ages and creates a condition where the tire is prone to failure. This, obviously, is a matter of some importance to collector car owners whose tires are expensive and usaully aren't subject to being worn out in a year or two. Can you or your readers shed any light on this?

In the past, I once read somewhere that not only should you keep the tires stored in a cool, dry place as John already stated, but that you should also store them on their side, with pieces of cardboard or similar material between the tires. That way, it lessens the chance of a tire flat-spotting.

Tom Brownell's response to the reader's question?

The statement about tire life that you are referring to appeared in the July 2003 Road & Track "Technical Correspondence" column. Responding to a low-mileage Mustang owner's question about tire life, the "Technical Correspondence" editor stated that RV tire manufacturers recommend tire replacement after five or six years, regardless of mileage, and that passenger car tires carry the same recommendations. Tire authorities I spoke with cited the same replacement intervals. Vehicle storage where the tires are protected from ozone and sunlight's unltraviolet rays, as in a CarBag, will prolong tire life somewhat, but not indefintely. The Road & Track column also states that tires benefit from use, which draws waxes and lubricants from the inside of the rubber to the surface where they help block oxidation. It's likely that the tires on a large share of our readers' collector cars are more than six years old and yet don't show evidence of sidewall cracking or other signs of aging that would indicate need for eplacement. Replacing tires at this recommended six year interval will be expensive, but readers should consider the potential damage, injury, and possible loss of life from tire failure.

 

[unleadedbrew]

And a 'tip-o-the-hat' to you, Ken. Where do you get all this stuff??? :crazy Well, they're on their sides with cardboard between them so now the question is........Should I take them off the rims? Hmmmm Maybe I'll just forget all this and sell them to some needy person here in Cowtown. The only time I would put them back on would be if I sold the car and that's not going to happen soon.
Thanks again,
Gordon

 

[jenavet]

wow ken...i use this same method with ex-boyfreinds...i put em in big plastic bags down in the basement. i also lay them on their side with pieces of cardboard in between them...but i usually replace them every 6 months,not every 6 years...hehe...just joking

 

[JonM]

I think you need to put them back on and "SMOKE-UM"

 

[unleadedbrew]

wow ken...i use this same method with ex-boyfreinds...i put em in big plastic bags down in the basement. i also lay them on their side with pieces of cardboard in between them...but i usually replace them every 6 months,not every 6 years...hehe...just joking

Now we know why you had that basement clean-out sale!

_Gordon


That's a worthwhile thought Jon, but it's coming out of the transmission shop Monday and I want to take it easy for awhile.

 

[JonM]

That's a worthwhile thought Jon, but it's coming out of the transmission shop Monday and I want to take it easy for awhile.

Oh well...not guts...no glory

 

[Ken]

I wish I had the link to Mr. Mojo's burnout; remember that one Jon? From a tire with tread to a slick in thirty seconds. :L

_ken

 

[unleadedbrew]

Oh well...not guts...no glory

Well, I've got a 'gut' as I grew out, not up and I do fly Old Glory ...........
But, dagnabbet, Jon, I just have NO money.