how severe cold affects performance tire rubber

[Tmoose]

On another forum a discussion about storing performance summer tires has sprung up. One theory offered is that new Englanders should keep their cherished summer tires in the living room for the winter, fearing that deep cold cycles (not cryogenic) would change the sticky rubber's structure to the worse.

Is there any thing to fear (or prefer) leaving the tires in an unheated garage?

thanks

Dan T

 

[GregLocock]

I'd say that keeping them cool rather than hot is a good idea. Quite whether an unheated garage is too cold, I don't know, but my guess is it is fine.



Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[CapriRacer]

It depends on the rubber used in the tires and how cold the garage gets. I've seen rubber crack when the temperature gets bitterly cold. High performance tires would be much more prone to this than other types.

The best advice would be to put the tires somewhere where the temperature doesn't get below 0F - EVER!! And the other end would be to keep the tires from sources of heat - including radiant heat like a furnace.

 

[TheBlacksmith]

Also keep away from sources of ozone - which is two reasons to not store in the furnace room if the furnace has motors on it.

 

[Tmoose]

Someone just found this 2009 TSD from TOYO.

http://cache.toyotires.com/sites/default/files/imce/ColdWeather_TireStorage.pdf

Some Proxes threshold is 15 degrees F (-9 degrees C).

 

[CapriRacer]

So the answer to Tinmoose's question is that it isn't because the cycling affect of low temperature causes changes in the rubber - it's that the cold temps can caused the rubber to become brittle.

 

[matthewcsmith]

From Hoosier's A6/R6 care and feeding instructions:

http://www.tirerack.com/images/pdf/warranty/HOOSIER.pdf

"Freeze Crack Advisory: This advisory addresses proper storage and use of Hoosier tires in cold conditions. Hoosier Tires, especially asphalt and hard compound
tires, may experience Rubber Cracking if the tires are transported, crushed, flexed or stressed when frozen. The following guidelines are provided to avoid this
problem.1. Always store Hoosier Racing Tires indoors at temperatures above 32˚ F.
2. If tires have been subject to 32˚ F or less, allow them to warm to room temperature (about 70˚ F) for a minimum of 24 hrs before the tire is mounted,
transported or flexed.
3. Always use spare tires not intended for future competition to store vehicles for prolonged periods of time or winter transport.
4. If below freezing temperatures are expected, please consider shipping tires once more favorable conditions exist.
Do not use tires that have evidence of Freeze Crack Damage."

Matt Smith
Mechanical Engineer