Winter Storage of High Performance Tires
Thread Starter
4th Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,778
From: Harrisburg PA
Winter Storage of High Performance Tires
Came across the following information and thought some of you, with ultra high performance or R-comp tires might be interested. Its from NITTO but I would assume it applies to any UHP tire:
Winter Storage
By the way - I do have Nitto NT01s and already did the steps they recommend about 3 weeks ago (just after my last track day) - whew!
Winter Storage
By the way - I do have Nitto NT01s and already did the steps they recommend about 3 weeks ago (just after my last track day) - whew!
Retired Moderator
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 9,235
From: SF Bay Area
Ya. I had this same question a few months back re: my R888's. I don't have freezing temps in Marin Co., but did drop WELL into the lower 60°'s last night (brrrrrrrr 
)
I just stacked them on top of a piece of carpet over the concrete and lowered to about 20 PSI. I figure it will touch on mid~low 40°'s a few times over Winter.
Jaz
)I just stacked them on top of a piece of carpet over the concrete and lowered to about 20 PSI. I figure it will touch on mid~low 40°'s a few times over Winter.
Jaz
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 519
From: Northern Indiana
You guys scared the crap out of me... mine aren't listed but they do have an R in the model name....Think I am ok? Getting ready to drive it to the storage facility this weekend, and it is in the 30-40's
Nitto 555 Extreme ZR
Nitto 555 Extreme ZR
Retired Moderator
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 9,235
From: SF Bay Area
Look at the side of the tires. You will see a "treadwear" or UTQG rating. In your case it is a 300, so you don't have this issue.
The "R" compound tires are at least a 100 UTQG rating and therefore are VERY soft. The soft compounds don't like the cold weather while trying to flex under weight of your ride. A/S and snow tires deal with lower temps better, but you will be just fine.
Jazzer
The "R" compound tires are at least a 100 UTQG rating and therefore are VERY soft. The soft compounds don't like the cold weather while trying to flex under weight of your ride. A/S and snow tires deal with lower temps better, but you will be just fine.
Jazzer
Last edited by Jazzer The Cat; Nov 21, 2008 at 09:50 PM. Reason: clarity
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 304
From: TX
Well the manufacturer knows best.
I usually dismount the RComps and stack them 2x2 in some ceiling storage in my garage. We get below freezing in Dallas but not all that often.
Last year I left a set of Hoosiers on the car (at full PSI) and one set of Toyos mounted but stacked 4 high at full PSI and they all did fine - got all the heat cycles I expected out of them in the spring, but it was a pretty mild winter and only dropped below freezing for a few days at a time if I recall correctly.
I usually dismount the RComps and stack them 2x2 in some ceiling storage in my garage. We get below freezing in Dallas but not all that often.
Last year I left a set of Hoosiers on the car (at full PSI) and one set of Toyos mounted but stacked 4 high at full PSI and they all did fine - got all the heat cycles I expected out of them in the spring, but it was a pretty mild winter and only dropped below freezing for a few days at a time if I recall correctly.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 182
From: Farmington Hills, MI
My previous track tires, Yokohama Advan Neova, had a warning for use/storage under 20 degrees F. The tread wear rating was 180. I have the Nitto NT01s now and they've been in the basement since the end of October.
One data point on the NT01 in cold weather. I was at Calabogie for a two day event October 4 & 5. The overnight temperature was in the low 30s and the daytime temps may have made 50. They were brand new going into the event. I was amazed at how well the Nittos held the track in cold temperatures. The first run of each day was in the upper 30s and I was careful to give them one lap to warm up before pushing them. The grip was much more predictable than the Yokohamas when cold. Definitely NOT like driving on "stones", I was very pleased! My guess it has to do with the large rubber blocks rather than the typical tread pattern of regular "summer" tires. I can't wait to try them in some warm weather.
One data point on the NT01 in cold weather. I was at Calabogie for a two day event October 4 & 5. The overnight temperature was in the low 30s and the daytime temps may have made 50. They were brand new going into the event. I was amazed at how well the Nittos held the track in cold temperatures. The first run of each day was in the upper 30s and I was careful to give them one lap to warm up before pushing them. The grip was much more predictable than the Yokohamas when cold. Definitely NOT like driving on "stones", I was very pleased! My guess it has to do with the large rubber blocks rather than the typical tread pattern of regular "summer" tires. I can't wait to try them in some warm weather.