How should tires and tubes be stored?

Tires and tubes should be stored indoors in a dark, cool, dry room to protect their integrity and extend their lifespan. This storage condition prevents exposure to direct sunlight and harmful elements that can cause degradation of the rubber.

Specifically, UV rays from sunlight can cause the rubber to crack or become brittle over time, while high temperatures can accelerate the aging process. Humidity is also detrimental; it can promote mold growth and corrosion. A dark, cool, dry environment avoids these risks, maintaining the tires' structural integrity and performance readiness.

Additionally, storing tires in a maintenance bay may not provide the controlled conditions necessary for preservation, as maintenance areas can often expose equipment and materials to various environmental stressors. Thus, the correct storage method is to keep tires and tubes indoors under optimal conditions to ensure they remain safe for use when needed.