3 aspects not to be overlooked for correct tyre storage

From the moment tyres are manufactured until they are installed on a vehicle, they are distributed through different warehouses. From the warehouse of the tyre manufacturer to the carmaker, tyre distributor, or mechanical or vehicle repair shop. At all points of the distribution chain, a series of particular characteristics must be considered for their correct handling and storage.

1. What characteristics does the tyre storage facility need to comply with?

If we want to reduce the risk of impairment and increase the useful life of the tyres, these must be stored:

• Indoors, in a ventilated, dry location with no direct sunlight.
• On shelving. They must never be in direct contact with the floor.
• Away from sources of heat and ozone. Ozone is particularly harmful for tyres.
• Away from chemical substances, solvents, lubricants, or hydrocarbons.

2. Is your tyre storage for short or long periods?

Based on the storage timeframe, tyres can be stored in different ways:

Short-term storage

For short storage periods, the way the tyres are placed is not a determining aspect. Although they can be placed vertically or intertwined, they will be preferably stored horizontally and on pallets or on another type of surface, such as containers or crates. The tyre stacking height must not exceed a maximum of 1.20 metres.

Long-term storage

However, for long storage periods, tyres must be stored vertically on racks, situated at least 10 cm above the ground. With this type of vertical storage, it is advisable to turn them slightly every month to avoid deformations.

Whether for short or long storage periods, when the tyres are assembled on the wheel rim, they must be stored inflated, in a vertical position and not stacked.  It is also advisable to store the tyres free of any type of tension or compression, to avoid tyre deformation.

At the same time, as it is a product that suffers wear over time, it is advisable to organise the warehouse with a FIFO system, in other words so the tyres first in are the first out.

3. What storage systems does the market have for tyre loading, unloading and control?

If you are a tyre manufacturer or distributor and store a lot of tyres of the same reference, it is ideal to choose adjustable pallet racking specifically adapted for heavy loads of this nature which allow the tyres to be stored on pallets, in crates or containers. In this way, we will achieve correct use of the space and a more efficient handling.

In the case of tyre storage for spare parts suppliers or repair shops that work with a large number of references, it is more advisable to choose longspan shelving for manual handling. This type of storage system withstands the huge weight of the tyres, allows the treads to be placed in a correct position, and at the same time, facilitates direct access to each tyre.

Here you can see the POLYPAL project for the new aftersales service of Park’s Motor Group BMW / Mini where, on two tiers via a mezzanine, 54 racking modules with racking beams were installed for manual handling of wheels and tyres.