Guidelines for tyre care on vehicles which are mostly idle

Tyres are also susceptible to natural aging phenomenon like any other material and
the process is typically called as weather cracking. This is a problem more for stored vehicle
tyres, deprived of normal flex cycles; for which they are designed to, owing to oxidation,
ozone attack and irradiation. Exposure to weather conditions such as heat, cold, sunlight,
ultraviolet light, ozone etc accelerate the aging process.

Tyre cracking is typically indicated by crazed

surfaces and cracks on the sidewalls and at the base
of tyre's tread grooves. While this is unsightly, it can
also lead to weakened tyre carcass over prolonged
exposure. Radiation causes free-radical reactions that
can initiate or catalyze oxidation and ozonolysis, as
well as being itself a direct cause of crosslinking
and/or molecular scission.

Tyres on vehicles driven frequently do not suffer from these problems, because
certain additives in the tyres bloom to the surface as they flex while driving, thus protecting
the rubber. Though one cannot prevent minor cracks, the following steps may be taken to
protect the tyres from major damage.

Step 1
Unload the vehicle before storing it to avoid any additional weight on the tyres. Park
in a clean, cool, dry and preferably dark place that's well-ventilated and with air circulation.
Store the vehicle on surfaces, such as cement/wood, that are free of petroleum. Store tyres
away from motors, generators, furnaces, sump pumps and switches because they are sources
of ozone. A dry basement is better than outdoors or a hot garage or attic. Basements tend to
be cooler with more stable temperatures.

Avoid storing the vehicle outside in extreme weather conditions. Do not leave the
vehicle on frozen ground for long periods of time. If it is to be left outside during the cold
months, place something under the tyres to prevent them from freezing to the ground. During
the hot weather months, do not leave the vehicle outside in direct sunlight. Storing them
away from asphalt and other heat absorbing surfaces as well as highly reflective surfaces will
protect them from ultraviolet light. Cover the tyres to block the sun with a sheet of opaque
or black polyethylene film to limit exposure to oxygen and ozone

Step 2
Inflate the tyres according to the manufacturer's recommendations when in use and
in storage. Under or over inflating tyres will cause them to age sooner and minor cracks to
deepen. Routinely check tyres for proper inflation. Put the vehicle up on axle stands, if it's idle
for more than 18 months.

Step 3
If required, clean tyres with mild soap and water. Avoid using alcohol and petroleum-
based cleaners as the rubber surface gets dry and cracks easier. Tyres also contain protective
antioxidants and anti-ozones. If it is washed with harsh chemicals, the protective layer will be
removed allowing the tyres to prematurely deteriorate. Saturate the tyre with a water-based
tyre protection solution. Reapply this solution every 20 to 30 days to increase the tyre's
barrier to ozone and UV rays.

Step 4
Drive the vehicle every month. When tyres move, they heat up and the protective
components such as antioxidants and anti-ozones move closer to the surface preventing them
from cracking. Park the vehicle in such a manner that the same footprint is not repeatedly
been used in idle condition to avoid flat spot or “square tyres”

Step 5
Inspect the tyres before driving a stored vehicle. If unsure about the tyre condition,
ask a professional to inspect them.