Off-Season Tire Storage: Stop Dry Rot & Protect Your Treads
Dry rot is a leading cause of premature tire failure and lost warranty coverage, and it only takes a single season of poor storage choices to set in.
But don’t worry—dry rot is 100% preventable with proper off-season tire storage practices, and if you lack the space, equipment, or expertise to stow your set safely, our experts are here to help!
Read on to learn more about the risks of dry rot and how to prevent it with proper off-season tire storage, or call (613) 342-3000 to speak directly with a tire storage specialist in Brockville, ON.
What Is Dry Rot?
Also known as “sidewall weathering,” the term “dry rot” refers to when tires’ rubber compounds break down and essential oils leech away, leaving visible cracks and “wrinkling” in the sidewall. Other common signs of tire rot include fading, discolouration, and flaking or brittle rubber on the tire sidewall.
This condition is common in tires exposed to extreme weather conditions, heat, or harmful chemical substances, and it is a major cause of:
- Air pressure loss
- Poor fuel economy
- Flat tires
- Dangerous sidewall blowouts
Although old rubber is more susceptible, dry rot can affect tires at any point in their service life, and once it sets in, your tires are on the fast track to retirement.
But don’t worry—dry rot is completely preventable with proper off-season tire storage, and the team at Brockville Oil & Tires is standing by to help you safely stow your set.
Off-Season Tire Storage In Brockville: Stop Dry Rot In Its Tracks
To maintain tire performance and keep your warranty coverage, top tire manufacturers recommend:
- Cleaning your tires before you store them. Caked-on contaminants greatly increase the risks of dry-rotting, as your tires’ essential oils lift away from the rubber as mud and slush dry out. To prevent this from happening, give your tires a good cleaning using a mild detergent, and dry them thoroughly.
- Beware of harsh tire cleaning products. Always consult with your local tire expert or tire manufacturer before using new cleaning products, as some harsh chemical cleaners can upset the balance of oils in your tires.
- Avoid direct sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a leading cause of dry rot, as they degrade rubber oils and resins over time. If your storage area lets in natural light, make sure your tires are kept out of it, or consider storing them under a weatherproof cover.
- Control storage temperatures. When temperatures rise above 20°C or below 7°C, the risks of dry rotting increase. If your storage space is not climate-controlled, you should consider investing in professional off-season tire storage.
- Keep humidity levels steady. Excessively dry environments and drastic shifts in relative humidity levels can greatly increase dry rotting risks. Most tire manufacturers recommend keeping your storage space around 50-60% relative humidity (RH). If you do not want to invest in a hygrometer or a humidity-control solution, get in touch with our experts for a free quote on pro storage solutions.
- Steer clear of ozone. Many garage staples, like battery chargers, motors, and generators, emit ozone, which greatly increases dry-rotting risk. If you cannot relocate this equipment and you lack alternative storage space, get in touch with our storage experts.
- Practice safe extended parking care. If you intend to store your tires on a parked vehicle for an extended period, you should do your best to reduce the weight load (e.g. using jack stands). If this is not possible, make time to drive your vehicle at least once every three months. This will shift the weight on the tires and, as the rubber rolls and flexes, redistribute important rubber compounds to the surface, where they can do their job.
Get A Free Quote On Off-Season Tire Storage
Since 2009, the team at Brockville Oil & Tires has been helping drivers max out their tire service life with qualified upkeep, repair, and storage solutions, and we can do the same for you.
Our tire techs follow all storage best practices, so you can save time, money, and space at home, while keeping your tire treads and warranty safe. What’s more, by choosing our shop for your off-season tire storage, you get instant access to our tire services the moment your tires come out of storage, so you can save even more time on:
- Tire mounting
- Tire removal/installation
- Tire inflation
- Tire alignments
- Tire repairs
- Tire replacements, and more
We also offer one of Brockville’s largest selections of brand-name tire products, so tire replacements and upgrades are easy, too.
To learn more and get a free quote on off-season tire storage in Brockville, ON, you can:
- Call (613) 342-3000
- Fill out our quick and easy contact form
- Drop by our shop at 103 Broome Road in Brockville