Service Manual User Manual

Axles, Wheels and Tires
5-13
F. Care and Storage of Tires
Store unmounted tires vertically, standing on their tread.
If stored for an extended period of time, rotate the tires
periodically to help reduce stress concentrations in the
ground contact area of the tread. Tires should not be
stored flat or stacked vertically (“stove piped”) as they will
become squashed and distorted, making mounting diffi-
cult, particularly for tubeless tires.
Store mounted tires as noted above, but reduce the infla-
tion pressure to 10 psi (68,9 kPa).
Store tires indoors in a cool, dark, dry area away from
drafts. Heat and light can cause oxidation on the tire sur-
face, which leads to decomposition (“crazing”) and
weather checking. Never store tires on oily surfaces or in
contact with oil, grease, petroleum-based substances,
antifreeze or solvents. Tires should not be stored near
volatile substances. Tires absorb volatile substances,
which damage and weaken the tire.
Tires should not be stored outside or in direct sunlight. If
there is no other alternative, tires stored outside must be
covered or otherwise protected from sunlight, wind and
rain. Use an unbroken, opaque covering to help protect
tires stored outdoors.
Store tires away from electric motors, generators, arc
welders, etc., as these generate ozone, which attacks
rubber and causes crazing and weather checking.
Exposure to weather will also cause cracking or crazing
of the rubber as well as deterioration of the tire carcass,
particularly where rain water is permitted to accumulate
in the tire.
When extended vehicle storage is anticipated, the vehicle
should be placed on suitable supports with the tires
raised out of ground contact. Inflation pressure in the tire
should then be reduced to 10 psi (68,9 kPa). Keep the
tires out of contact with sunlight, wind and rain as noted
above.
If it is not possible to raise the vehicle, increase tire infla-
tion pressure by 25 percent. Move the vehicle periodically
to change the location of stress concentrations in the tire
ground contact area.
Model 3606 • Origin 10/99