Properly storing your drag slicks is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a crucial step in maintaining the performance and safety of your racing tires.
Whether you’re parking your race car for the week or storing it for the winter season, follow these guidelines to significantly increase the lifespan of your drag slicks and avoid potential safety risks.
7 Tips to Properly Store Your Drag Slicks
- Use a spare set of wheels and tires not intended for competition when your vehicle is parked. If you don’t have a spare set, place the vehicle on jack stands to relieve weight from the tires. Reduce the tire air pressure to 5 psi.
- Store your tires in a cool, dry, dark place. Avoid storing them near heat like stoves, furnaces, etc. Additionally, never allow drag slicks to freeze.
- Keep tires away from sources of ozone, such as welders and electric motors (air compressors, large
fans, refrigerators), which accelerates the aging process and dries out the rubber. - Keep your tires covered and shielded from direct light (both natural and artificial) to prevent premature aging. Use purpose-built tire covers or a large trash bag to cover each tire for extended storage.
- Avoid storing your tires directly on concrete or asphalt, as this can leach chemicals from the rubber and cause them to dry out. Instead, lay the tires on their sides and place a piece of plywood or cardboard between the tire and the floor. When stacking tires, be sure to put cardboard between them, as well.
- Do not apply chemicals such as tire shine, softener, or traction compound prior to storage,
as they can accelerate tire aging and reduce lifespan. - Street tires can benefit from using Race Ramps FlatStoppers or Wheel Cribs to help preserve
tire shape during longer storage.
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