Fitting and Storage

Tyre Mounting and Dismounting

Whether damaged or worn, your tyres should be mounted and dismounted from rims only by professionals like those at The Tread Shop UK, whose specialized equipment and training allows them to safely mount tyres of all kinds and sizes.  Proper dismounting requires removal of valves and valve stems, while safe mounting procedures include changing all tyre components: Wheel weights, valve stems, valve caps, and tubes for tube-type tyres. 

Some tyres must be mounted in a specific direction, while some cars require differently sized tyres on each axle.  About 100 kilometers after your new tyres have been mounted, you should have The Tread Shop UK specialists check your valve caps and wheel bolts for tightness.

Balancing Your Tyres

Every tyre/rim combination must be properly balanced before use.  The Tread Shop UK uses specialized balancing machines to ensure that your tyre and rim are perfectly tuned for the road.  Poorly balanced tyres will produce uncomfortable vibration and can cause an unsafe driving condition, and prolonged driving can cause poor fuel economy and expensive damage to your vehicle's drivetrain, suspension, and steering components. 

If you experience unusual vibrations when driving, especially after striking something with your rim or tyre, be sure to ask your mechanic or Tread Shop UK specialist to inspect for proper balance.

Storing your Tyres

Your winter or summer tyres are important to your safety and to the performance of your vehicle, so after dismounting, be sure to follow a few basic rules to ensure their longevity:

•  Label your tyres with their correct position before dismounting.  This saves time and ensures easy mounting in the proper position at the end of the season.
• Keep tyres out of direct sunlight. Ultraviolet light and radiant heats will break down rubber faster than you might think.
• Before storing, use a tire brush to clean each tire with soap and water to remove brake dust, dirt and grime. If the tires are still mounted on wheels, use a wheel brush to clean the wheels with an approved cleaner as well. Dry with a towel and let any remaining moisture thoroughly evaporate. DO NOT APPLY ANY TIRE DRESSINGS.
• If you intend to store your tyres for an extended period, place each clean, dry tyre in its own large, airtight plastic bag and remove as much air as possible.  Close the bag tightly and tape it shut to reduce oil evaporation.
• If you choose not to store white letter/white wall tyres in bags, stack them white-to-white or black-to-black to avoid staining the white rubber with oils from the black rubber. 
• Place the tires in a cool, dry location. It is better to store tires in a dry basement or climate-controlled workshop than in a standard garage, storage shed, hot attic or outdoors. While basement and shop surroundings tend to remain cool and dry, conditions found in typical garage, shed, attic and outdoor locations often include a wide range of hot and cold temperatures, as well as seasonal precipitation and humidity.
• Keep the tires away from sources of ozone that will degrade your tyres' rubber compound.  Large electric motors like those found in water pumps, furnaces, sump pumps, and pools can generate large amounts of ozone in regular operation.