As a responsible driver, you know that keeping your tires in good condition is important. You may have wondered if there is a right or wrong way to store them when they’re not in use. Some people believe that if you store your tires in the garage, they will dry rot. In this article, we will dispel that myth and give you the truth about tire storage!
To answer the question”Do tires dry rot in the Garage?” the answer is no. With proper care, your tires can last for years, even when stored in the garage.
One of the main reasons people believe that storing tires in the garage will cause them to dry rot is because they are exposed to the elements. However, this is not true! Tires are made to withstand all kinds of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
Another reason people believe that storing tires in the garage will cause them to dry rot is that they are not used as often. However, this is also not true! Tires should be inspected regularly, even when they’re not in use. This will help you identify any potential issues so that you can address them before they become a problem.
Causes of Dry rot on tires
There are several causes of dry rot on tires, here are some examples
1. Abrasive or corrosive chemicals
The Major cause of dry rot on tires is because of the tires being stored in an environment with abrasive or corrosive chemicals. These chemicals can cause the tires to deteriorate and dry out.
The best way to prevent this from happening is to make sure that the tires are stored in a clean, dry environment. If you must store them in a garage, make sure that the area is well-ventilated and free of any harsh chemicals.
2. Improper tire inflation
Another cause of dry rot on tires is improper tire inflation. When tires are not inflated properly, they can become misshapen and start to develop cracks. This can lead to the tires drying out and eventually developing dry rot.
To avoid this, always check your tire pressure regularly and inflate the tires according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
3. Exposure to sunlight
Another cause of dry rot on tires is exposure to sunlight. The UV rays from the sun can cause the tires to dry out and crack. This can eventually lead to dry rot.
To avoid this, try to store your tires in a cool, dark place when they’re not in use. If you must store them in a garage, make sure that the area is well-ventilated and free of any harsh chemicals.
4. Extremely low temperatures
Again extremely low temperatures can lead to dry rot on your tires. If you live in a place where the weather gets very cold, it’s important to take extra care of your tires.
Make sure that you store them in a cool, dry place and that they are inflated properly. You should also inspect them regularly for any signs of damage.
5. Long periods of Disuse
Another factor that can cause dry rot on tires is long periods of disuse. If you don’t use your tires often, they can start to develop cracks and dry out. This is because the tires are not being flexed and moved around.
To avoid this, try to use your tires regularly, even if you’re just driving around the block. This will help keep them in good condition and prevent dry rot from developing.
As you can see, there are several myths about storing tires in the garage. However, with proper care, your tires can last for years, even when stored in the garage. Just be sure to keep them clean, dry, and inflated properly!
How to identify tire rot
Tire rot is a type of deterioration that causes the tires to become misshapen, cracked, and dry. The best way to identify tire rot is to look for these signs:
1. Misshapen tires
The first sign to notice when your car has a dry rot is misshapen tires, this is because the tires are not inflated properly.
The tires can also become misshapen if they’re stored in a garage for too long without being used.
2. Cracks in the tires
Another sign of dry rot is cracked in the tires. These cracks can be caused by exposure to sunlight or extreme temperatures.
They can also be caused by long periods of disuse. If you notice any cracks in your tires, it’s important to have them inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
3. Dry, brittle tires
One of the most obvious signs of dry rot is dry, brittle tires. This happens when the tires are exposed to sunlight or extreme temperatures and start to dry out.
If you notice that your tires are starting to look dry and brittle, it’s important to store them in a cool dry place.
4. Discoloration
Last but not least, discoloration of the tire surface is another sign of dry rot. This happens when the tires are exposed to UV rays from the sun.
The tires can also discolor if they’re stored in a garage for too long without being used. If you notice that your tires are starting to discolor, you can clean them with a soft towel and bucket of water.
These are just a few of the signs that your car has dry rot. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have your tires inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
How to prevent your tires from dry rotting
There are several ways to prevent your tires from dry rotting, these are a few examples
1. Avoid using harsh chemicals
The first way to avoid dry rot is to avoid using harsh chemicals. This includes things like cleaners, degreasers, and solvents. These chemicals can cause the tires to deteriorate and dry out and become misshapen.
The best way to prevent this from happening is to make sure that the tires are stored in a clean, dry environment. If you must store them in a garage, make sure that the area is well-ventilated and free of any harsh chemicals.
2. Inflate tires properly
When tires are not inflated properly, they can become misshapen and start to develop cracks. This can lead to the tires drying out and eventually developing dry rot. To avoid this, always check your tire pressure regularly and inflate the tires according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
3. Store tires in a cool, dark place
Another cause of dry rot on tires is exposure to sunlight. The UV rays from the sun can cause the tires to dry out and crack. This can eventually lead to dry rot. To avoid this, try to store your tires in a cool, dark place when they’re not in use.
If you must store them in a garage, make sure that the area is well-ventilated and free of any harsh chemicals.
4. Use tires regularly
Another factor that can cause dry rot on tires is long periods of disuse. If you don’t use your tires often, they can start to develop cracks and dry out. This is because the tires are not being flexed and moved around.
To avoid this, try to use your tires regularly, even if you’re just driving around the block. This will help keep them in good condition and prevent dry rot from developing.
How to repair tires with dry rot
There are a few ways that they can repair tires with dry rot: Examples are as follows
1. Applying a sealant
One way to repair tires with dry rot is to apply a sealant. A tire protectant or sealant is a type of product that helps to create a barrier between the tires and the environment. This will help fill in any cracks and prevent further damage.
2. Replacing the tires
Another way to repair tires with dry rot is to replace the tires. This is usually only necessary if the damage is severe as it will help prevents accidents in the near future.
3. Repairing the treads
If the treads on your tires are starting to wear down, a professional can also repair them. This will help extend the life of your tires and prevent further damage.
4. Store tires properly:
One of the best ways to prevent dry rot is to store your tires properly. This means keeping them in a cool, dark place when they’re not in use. You should also check your tire pressure regularly and inflate the tires according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action immediately. The first step is to try to clean the tires and remove any dirt or debris that may be causing the problem. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the tires.
Final thoughts
Dry rot on tires is a serious problem that can lead to accidents. It’s important to take measures to prevent it from happening and to repair it immediately if it does. By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your tires and keep yourself safe on the road. Thanks for reading!
I hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I will do my best to answer them as soon as possible.
