Tyre Storage Recommendations

Tyre compounds are formulated to resist deterioration caused e.g. by sunlight, humidity and ozone. Nevertheless, stored tyres should be protected against these and other potentially damaging conditions. The longer the storage period, the more exposure there is to potential damage.

• DO store tyres where it is clean, dark, dry and moderately ventilated. Moist conditions should be avoided. Tyres destined for repairing should be thoroughly cleaned and dried out before such operations are performed.
• DO store tyres whitewall-to-whitewall to avoid staining.
• DO store tyres, if outdoors, protected by an opaque waterproof covering, but avoid creating a heat box or steam bath. Ensure proper ventilation.
• DO store tyres, if outdoors, raised off the storage surface.
• AVOID storing tyres where the area is wet, oily, and/or greasy such as with petroleum-based products.
• AVOID storing tyres on piers, ship decks, or other unprotected areas.
• AVOID storing tyres where subjected to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight or artificial light with a high ultra-violet content. Room lighting with ordinary incandescent lamps is preferable to fluorescent tubes.
• AVOID storing tyres on black asphalt or other heat absorbent surfaces.
• AVOID storing tyres adjacent to highly reflective surfaces (i.e., sand or snow-covered ground).
• AVOID storing tyres in the same area as an electric motor or other ozone generating sources. If there is a question, check ozone levels to be sure they do not exceed 0.08 ppm.
• AVOID storing tyres in the proximity of chemical agents like solvents, fuels, oils, hydrocarbons, paint, acids, disinfectants, etc.
• DO NOT use tyres as a workbench or tool stand. Soldering irons, power drill and tools can damage a tyre.
• DO NOT store other items on top of a tyre, especially where staining of the surface would be a concern.
• NEVER store them near battery chargers, ovens or open fires.
• NEVER put a burning cigarette on a pile of tyres.

• DO store all motorcycle tyres at temperatures not exceeding 35°C, preferably below 25°C.
• AVOID storing conventional motorcycle tyres (Sport/ Touring/ Off-Road etc.) at temperatures well below the freezing point (max. -20°C).
• AVOID storing race motorcycle tyres (Track/ RaceAttack) below 0°C.
• ALWAYS allow tyres - which have been exposed to 0°C or less - to warm to room temperature (approx. 20°C) for a minimum of 24 hours before the tyres are mounted or flexed.
• NEVER take motorcycle tyres below the above-mentioned storage temperatures for race and conventional tyres into service, otherwise it may lead to cracks in compound and/or structure of the tyres! 

• Store tyres so that they retain their shape.
• Mounted tyres should preferably be inflated to only 15 psi.
• Be sure to adjust the tyres to the recommended inflation pressure before mounting on the vehicle.

Preferred positions are shown below:

If possible, store the vehicle on the main stand or on a motorcycle jack to remove all weight from the tyres and cover the tyres to protect them from environmental exposure.

If the vehicle cannot be lifted from the storage surface, completely unload the vehicle, so minimum weight will rest on the tyres. The storage surface should be firm, reasonably level, well drained and clean.

In cases where the tyres will be supporting the vehicle, it is permissible to inflate the tyres to the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall. Be sure to return the inflation pressure to recommended usage pressure before operating the vehicle.

In cases where the tyres will be supporting the vehicle, it is recommended that the vehicle be moved every month to minimize ozone cracking in the contact area and also to minimize a "flat spot" from developing. If the tyres do develop "flat spots," they will usually disappear in a short period of service.