Tips To Safely Store Metal Wheels
Posted on: 30 April 2019
It's common for many people to change their wheels and tires as the season's change, especially if you have custom wheels that may get damaged from the ice, snow or hail. Storing your metal wheels, such as your Moto metal wheels, during the winter is a great way to extend their lifespan, but there is nothing worse than gearing up to put on your custom metal wheels at the first sign of spring, only to find that they have gotten damaged from being stored incorrectly. Here are a few tips to ensure your wheels and tires look as good the day you take them out of storage as they did the day you put them in.
Thoroughly Clean Them
Before putting your metal wheels and tires in the garage for the winter, it is essential that you thoroughly clean them. It's best to remove the wheels from the vehicle before cleaning them; this will allow you to get into all of the small crevices. It's typically recommended that you use a separate cleaner for the wheels and the tires. When cleaning metal wheels, the cleaner should be a mild solvent that is safe for use on soft metal and the tires should be cleaned with mild liquid dish soap and warm water. Clean the tires first and then the metal wheels and make sure both are thoroughly dry before storing.
Inspect After Cleaning
After you have thoroughly cleaned the wheels and tires, be sure to carefully inspect them for any damages. If there are damages, they may worsen while being stored, so you should go ahead and make the repairs. Small scratches can often be repaired with mild polishing wax. If there are punctures in the tires or the tread is wearing thin, it's best to go ahead and replace the tire before storing; just make sure the tires are inflated during storage.
Storage Tips
The area where your metal wheels and tires will be stored should be a cool, dry, and dark place. The area should good circulation of clean air. The basement is often a good choice because the temperatures are typically more constant than the garage. Some things to keep in mind when it comes to storage include:
- The storage area should be away from any machinery that may leak fluids, which may cause the tires to crack. Certain fluids can cause the tires to crack around the sidewalls, which weakens the tire causing premature wearing of the rubber.
- Avoid storing the wheels and tires on surfaces with petroleum, which weakens the rubber, leading to premature wear and tear.
- When storing the wheels horizontally, it's best to place them on a wooden surface, such as a pallet. Storing on a dry wooden surface will also help to prevent the risk of moisture being absorbed, which may cause the metal to rust.
- Wheels should not be stacked any higher than about 3 feet to avoid pressure.
When it's time to take your metal wheels and tires out of storage and install them for the season, be sure to give them a thorough cleaning and inspection before installing them on your vehicle. If there were any damages that occurred while in storage, be sure to make the repairs before the installation.
Share