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Storing tires for winter

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How does everyone store their tires for an extended amount of time? Typically if I had decent Pirelli slicks left i would set air 5-10 psi, and put in a large trash bag and stack on sidewall in basement 4 high. I am wondering if placing in a rack like in the links below if it would affect them. I have seen the racks in trailers and have always wondered if it would affect the tires if left for an extended amount of time. I would probably build my own out of lumber, but would have the same affect.

https://www.tirerack.com/accessorie...6733!&ef_id=WvhbnQAAAKeEnxA0:20181007023923:s

https://www.amazon.com/HyLoft-01000-Multi-Tire-Rack-Storage/dp/B0016SOF7Y
 
369
146
Exp. Type
HPDE
Exp. Level
5-10 Years
Waco, TX
I was always told to store them on their side to avoid flat spotting and taking all the weight off the center section.
 

TymeSlayer

Tramps like us, Baby we were born to run...
3,787
2,740
Exp. Type
HPDE
Exp. Level
3-5 Years
Brighton, Colorado
I use tire totes and felt liners and drop to TP to about 25 PSI. I have one set stacked like you suggested (The OEM wheels and tires) and another set on a tire rack that is exactly like the HyLoft one in the OPs link. The thing is rock solid. And if you go that route, just think of it like bottles of wine you store. Just rotate them on the rack occasionally and you shouldn't have any issues.
 
Living in Florida is one way out of having winter Storage concerns for your tires. another way may be to have all seasons and not be a track rat...I use mine all year long......I know , the fun factor may not be as high, but I'll get over it...............
 
Living in Florida is one way out of having winter Storage concerns for your tires. another way may be to have all seasons and not be a track rat...I use mine all year long......I know , the fun factor may not be as high, but I'll get over it...............

I used to TRACK a set of all-seasons on my '07! Lots of slip angle but they wore like iron and I wasn't afraid to go out on a wet track.
 
125
112
Exp. Type
HPDE
Exp. Level
Under 3 Years
Ann Arbor, MI
Do slicks actually degrade forever if stored in the garage over the winter, which at times dips below freezing, or can they be resurrected in the spring?
 

Bill Pemberton

0ld Ford Automotive Racing Terror
8,425
8,356
Exp. Type
Time Attack
Exp. Level
20+ Years
Blair, Nebraska
The quick speech from folks like Tire Rack, Discount Tire, Trackday Tire , seems to be keep them above 32 degrees. The tire Sponsors I had many years ago told me to keep them inside , in a warm area and if the garage was heated that was fine. They all commented on how they stored tires in their warehouses , all which were heated and they said I should do the same.

I followed the Covid Storage system with a set of BFG gforceR1s and they stayed in the garage for two Winters before I took them to the Mustang Roundu. I decided to just chew them up instead of following the " Modus Operandi " in the Race Group of slapping on a set of used Pirelli slicks. They wore like iron on a track that was a bit rough on tires ( now completely repaved ) and I would have to say the cold cured them into all seasons -- not as fast but durable. Heck I had run them in 2019 and actually brought a set of 2017s that were even harder just in case. All 8 now are living in a tire landfill , and actually sorry BFG stopped making them --- they were consistent an entire race, lasted well, were pretty fast , and were reasonably priced.
 

JDee

Ancient Racer
1,797
2,001
Exp. Type
W2W Racing
Exp. Level
20+ Years
5 miles from Mosport
Do slicks actually degrade forever if stored in the garage over the winter, which at times dips below freezing, or can they be resurrected in the spring?

Well, even my cheap Chinese 100TW semi-slicks have a warning on the sidewall about storing below 40F, they are happily stored in my warm heated basement.
I would think real gumballs are surely going to be negatively affected. I have been told they will develop cracks in the tread face, though I have no personal experience with that.
 
125
112
Exp. Type
HPDE
Exp. Level
Under 3 Years
Ann Arbor, MI
I'm guessing Bree789 is like me, wondering if what manufacturers and tire sales folks say could be a tad bit skewed in the direction of recommending new tires more than is actually needed?! And I'm not talking about conscious deception here - being a bit biased as a salesman is totally natural and not of malicious intent by the vast majority out there. But let's face it, the medicine in the cabinet that expired 8 years ago still works like a charm.

Of course IF there's Cracking or Brittle spots AFTER they've warmed up following winter dips in temps, they should not be used imo as that could be dangerous.

Bill, it sounds like you have some real world experience with this and your "data" seems reasonable. Tire compounds hardened up a bit from the cold and were not as fast (ie, they were more slippery) but not necessarily unusable, while lasting longer than before. We're so far not hearing stories of tires suddenly falling apart on track, which is good.

I've been told my Michelin scrubs are useless below 50 degrees, and my GYF1's were less than ideal at 40 degrees (completely useless in the rain, they are almost slicks anyway, but great for practicing car control in those conditions!). Unless I hear otherwise, I'm going to get me a rubber hardness tester and if the tires seem reasonable to run at the track in my club, NOT racing w2w, I'll be trying them out in April, weather permitting.

Thanks for the responses from the tried and true veterans out there - any other experiences are still appreciated.
 

Bill Pemberton

0ld Ford Automotive Racing Terror
8,425
8,356
Exp. Type
Time Attack
Exp. Level
20+ Years
Blair, Nebraska
35 year old advice from a Tire Company who went through a ton of heavy truck and car tires was also to keep them away from electric motors as they give off ozone ( his words , not mine ). In talking to the Wholesaler the company I worked for ( 27 years ) used , he always told me to keep the tires stored in a warm place. I have just followed what guys told me over the years that were in the business and telling me to keep tires warm and dry was a helpful hint to help extend the life of the tires they sold me - so ethically good business to keep repeating customers. Extending the life meant they would see me less, but honestly and concern kept me coming back.
 

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