Winter Tire Storage

[dinoracer]

With the season done (boo hiss) , those looking for the latest wisdom on tire storage - I found this advisory from 2007 regarding Nittos

Good practice for any of the R compound tires you may have that you're hoping to run again next year:

NTSD-07-001 August 3, 2007
Recommendations on the
Proper Use, Handling, and Storage of Nitto Tires
This advisory applies only to the following products:
All NT555R
All NT555RII
All NT01
This advisory addresses the proper storage of these tires in colder climates. As seen in the picture below, tires
stored and operated at sub-freezing temperatures, i.e., at or below 32°F (0°C), will lose rubber compound flexibility
and may experience cracking when operated under such conditions.

CAUTION!
The rubber compounds used in these tires have unique properties that, when compared to other tires, can cause
them to lose some of their flexibility when stored and operated at sub-freezing temperatures. This loss in flexibility
can lead to potential cracking and other damage to the tire.
TO MINIMIZE THE CHANCES OF THIS HAPPENING, CONSUMERS AND INSTALLERS ARE ADVISED TO
FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS DURING SUB-FREEZING CONDITIONS:
1. Do not operate the car with these tires, as the tires may suddenly fail.
2. Always store these tires indoors at temperatures above 32°F (0°C).
3. Before mounting or dismounting, store these tires for at least 24 hours in a temperature-controlled
environment of 68°F (20°C) or warmer.
4. Remove these tires from the vehicle and deflate to half the normal air pressure during prolonged periods of
non-use or storage.
5. Do not move a car that is in storage with these tires, as the tires may crack.

[miatapeter]

Thanks Tom. This is good info and a good reminder.

[PaddyMcP]

I ran a race where it was freezing overnight, woke up the next day and qualified at 9am. Basically took the tire from 30 deg f to 150 deg f in 5 laps.

All 4 Kumho v710's cracked immediately.

I only realized how stupid that was AFTER i basically burned $900.

[brucesallen]

There was a heavy frost on my car in the morning at NHMS this past weekend!