storing tires question

[Suprabee]

I've done a search and come up with nothing... so here is my story/question.

I have Michelin Pilots on my 85 now with only 5,000 miles on them. I stopped in a local tire shop and they are "letting go" of four brand new Pilots for $63 each!! The store says they just want to be rid of them, as they are a discontinued tire. I have looked at them and they are new, but a little dusty and they still have the stickers on them, so....I am thinking of grabbing them and just storing them in plastic in my home until I will need them in about 3 years when my tires on the car wear out.

I am concerned that the tires will end up cracking anyway and become hard during that amount of time and considering that the tires look like they have already been sitting for a while.

Does anyone know FOR CERTAIN the shelf life for tires and/or what success/failures anyone has had in storing tires for 2-3 years?
thanks
Rick

[Supra_devil]

i worked at a shop with a massive basement for storing tires, i saw tires that we hadn't sold in 5 years still in good shape. i would avoid extremly dry places but wrapped in plastic should be a good idea. Never had any problems with storing tires before.

[CJSREDPRA]

Several tips that I've heard over the years.

Obvious one: Keep the tires in a dry storage area INDOORS!!! If you keep them outdoors, they will deterioate (rubber will start to dry out).

Tire dressing acts like a conditioner to the rubber, keeps it from drying out. Use it on occasion.

Others????

[suprasrock]

Light


All rubber is harmed by sunlight. Keep the tires in the dark.

[CJSREDPRA]

Light


All rubber is harmed by sunlight. Keep the tires in the dark.

Another reason to keep the tires inside. UV rays play havoc w/ the rubber.

[lechner]

Also avoid/ treat for spiders. Tires are best stored in dark but not dry areas. Unfortunately spiders like the same climate and can harm the tires.