Tyres Question

[tonyd]

I have a spare set of unused Dunlop SP8000 245/40/ZR17 tyres for my RS2, purchased from Dunlop in late 2003....I have no idea how old they are but could possibly find out from Dunlop. There is also a set on the vehicle that is good for a while yet, particularly given the fairly low annual mileage I drive due to being overseas working for long periods.
My question is....what steps can I take to ensure that the replacement tyre set does not deteriorate while being stored, or at least to reduce the rate of deterioration? I have heard stories of tyres being stored away and the rubber perishing and cracking. Is this avoidable?

[rtg0616]

Hi Tony,

As far as I'm aware you need to be storing them in a cool, dark and dry place and ensure that they are upright and not lying flat.

Roy.

[scillyisles]

Hi Tony,

As far as I'm aware you need to be storing them in a cool, dark and dry place and ensure that they are upright and not lying flat.

Roy.

Agree with cool, dark and dry place away from any solvents (fuel, oil e.t.c) but according to Michelin they can be stored upright if hung up otherwise they can be stored flat.

[tonyd]

Thanks guys...tyres have been stored in cool, dry dark place well away from garage, vehicles, fuel, solvents etc. so am pleased about that advice. I currently have them stored flat. I would be a bit concerned that storing upright standing might cause slight flat spots and hanging might cause slight distortion, but I guess in both cases I wouldn't be able to detect it. I might wrap them in black roofing paper to be ultra-anal....they cost a bit and are probably now unobtainable, in my part of the world anyway.