Storing slicks for the winter
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From: Hell was full so they sent me to NJ
Storing slicks for the winter
I found this on the M/T website. Any comments or suggestions for storing slicks over the winter?
STORAGE PROCEDURES AND TIPS
During the winter months or whenever tires are being stored for long periods of time, the following tips and guidelines should be followed to help extend the life of Mickey Thompson ET Street or ET Drag tires.
1. Remove the tires from the car or jack the car up to remove the load.
2. Drop air pressure to 5 pounds.
3. Keep the tires away from direct light (sun or fluorescent). It is best to keep tires covered.
4. Keep tires away from electric motors I.E. furnace, air compressor, etc. These create OZONE, which will damage the tire.
5. Mickey Thompson suggests that you keep tires away from extreme high and low temperatures.
6. Do not use any chemicals on the tires. To clean them use a mild detergent and water. Rinse well. Do not clean the tread surface.
By following these simple precautions you will get the best service from your tires. If you experience inconsistent 60' & 330' times the next season, it's probably time to replace the tires.
This is Mickey Thompson DRAG / STREET Technical Bulletin #5.
During the winter months or whenever tires are being stored for long periods of time, the following tips and guidelines should be followed to help extend the life of Mickey Thompson ET Street or ET Drag tires.
1. Remove the tires from the car or jack the car up to remove the load.
2. Drop air pressure to 5 pounds.
3. Keep the tires away from direct light (sun or fluorescent). It is best to keep tires covered.
4. Keep tires away from electric motors I.E. furnace, air compressor, etc. These create OZONE, which will damage the tire.
5. Mickey Thompson suggests that you keep tires away from extreme high and low temperatures.
6. Do not use any chemicals on the tires. To clean them use a mild detergent and water. Rinse well. Do not clean the tread surface.
By following these simple precautions you will get the best service from your tires. If you experience inconsistent 60' & 330' times the next season, it's probably time to replace the tires.
This is Mickey Thompson DRAG / STREET Technical Bulletin #5.
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 744
From: Columbia, SC
I would be interested in hearing some theory behind lowering the pressure. The rest of it pretty much makes sense.
I don't use M/T's, but I've used BFG DR's for years and all I've ever done is take them off the car and slide them under a work bench fully inflated and have never had any problem (that I know about). Actually, my biggest concern was laying the one side on concrete for so long.(?)
I don't use M/T's, but I've used BFG DR's for years and all I've ever done is take them off the car and slide them under a work bench fully inflated and have never had any problem (that I know about). Actually, my biggest concern was laying the one side on concrete for so long.(?)
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Joined: Nov 1998
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From: Hell was full so they sent me to NJ
Sounds like removing them from the car (stored in an unheated, attached garage) and putting them in the basement is the way to go. Otherwise, they will be exposed to near-freezing temps at times, and I've heard that can ruin them pretty quick. I've found the ET Drags seem to "flat spot" just from the car sitting in the garage a few weeks in warmer weather.
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 708
From: St. Louis, MO
Why drop the pressure down? I've already got mine sitting in the basement.
Also what about covering the tread with saran wrap or something to keep it from drying out?
Edit: Mine are a good 20-30 feet away from the furnace, should I move them a little further?
Also what about covering the tread with saran wrap or something to keep it from drying out?
Edit: Mine are a good 20-30 feet away from the furnace, should I move them a little further?
Last edited by Kain; Nov 17, 2003 at 11:34 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 305
From: Central NJ USA
I believe the theory behind lowering the pressure down is to prevent the tire from stretching. On my brothers comp car we use air pressure to stretch the tires to the exact same size. We have actually seen a circumfrence differential of close to an inch on the same size set of tires. I dont think this would have the same effect on a radial tire though. Also dont let the tire sit directly on a concrete surface as it can pull the oils from the rubber and "dry em out" so to speak. The easy way to store them safely is to put each tire in a large black plastic trash bag and knot the end.
Kevin
Kevin
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 744
From: Columbia, SC
Originally posted by Kevin97ss
I believe the theory behind lowering the pressure down is to prevent the tire from stretching. On my brothers comp car we use air pressure to stretch the tires to the exact same size. We have actually seen a circumfrence differential of close to an inch on the same size set of tires. I dont think this would have the same effect on a radial tire though. Also dont let the tire sit directly on a concrete surface as it can pull the oils from the rubber and "dry em out" so to speak. The easy way to store them safely is to put each tire in a large black plastic trash bag and knot the end.
Kevin
I believe the theory behind lowering the pressure down is to prevent the tire from stretching. On my brothers comp car we use air pressure to stretch the tires to the exact same size. We have actually seen a circumfrence differential of close to an inch on the same size set of tires. I dont think this would have the same effect on a radial tire though. Also dont let the tire sit directly on a concrete surface as it can pull the oils from the rubber and "dry em out" so to speak. The easy way to store them safely is to put each tire in a large black plastic trash bag and knot the end.
Kevin
Laying on concrete also makes sense now that you mention it. Guess I need to get something between the tires and concrete floor.
They are stored in an area with controlled temperature, so that's not a problem. Never gets below ~60 in the winter - not that we have too many days that get REAL cold around here
Thanks for the input!
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,303
From: Jamestown, NY J&P MUscLE
Originally posted by mongse_1
Mine usually go in the heated basement.
Mine usually go in the heated basement.
Definately just through them in the house and try and make good use out of them he hehe
Coffee Table stand or a floor chair just to name a few.... Just and Idea.Good Luck,
-JohN
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