Storage and transportation of tyres
Proper storage can slow down the ageing of tyres.Tyres should preferably be stored without rims. If this is not possible, stored wheels should be kept at so-called storage pressure, which is no more than 50% of operation pressure. Pressurised wheels are stored in the upright position.
Rubber is rather sensitive to different conditions and also to some chemicals. Due consideration of the factors affecting tyre storage and tyre ageing helps extend the tyre's service life.
Extremely humid conditions should be avoided. Air humidity in the storage room must not be so high that condensation occurs on the tyres. Tyres must not be stored in conditions where they are exposed to rain, splashes, etc.
Tyres must be protected from light, particularly from direct sunlight and intense artificial light with a high ultraviolet content.
Ozone has a very strong deteriorating effect on tyres. The storage room must not contain any ozone-producing equipment, such as fluorescence lamps or mercury vapour lamps, high-voltage electrical equipment, electric motors or any other electrical equipment that may generate sparks or silent electric discharges.
If possible, tyres must be stored freely in their natural form so that they are not under stress, pressure or torsion. Strong deformities developed during long-time storage may break when pressurised.
Tyres must be particularly protected from any contact with solvents, oils or greases, however short-term. Tyres must also be protected from powerful emitters of light and spatter from electric welding.
Tyre transportation
There are two risk factors that must be taken into account when transporting wheel freight: the possibility of a tyre exploding or a wheel shifting during transportation.The tyre pressure should be as low as possible during transportation, a maximum of 25% of the inflation pressure. The inflation pressure should only be set once the wheel is mounted on the vehicle.
If a tyre explodes during transportation, if may cause severe damage.
The safest way to transport a wheel is on its side in the cargo bay. If a wheel must be transported in an upright position, its possible shifting must be prevented through careful securing, for example, with straps.