Forum Discussion

obie311's avatar
obie311
Explorer II
Jul 26, 2021

tire covers, yea or nay

Since I am investing in new tires, I was wondering if the vinyl type tire covers help increase the useful life of the tires? My storage is outdoors, completely unprotected from UV and environmental factors. There is a busy interstate highway about a half a mile away.

My 8 y/o OE Goodyear 614's look good even though they haven't been covered but I'm replacing on basis of time, not appearance.
Seeking Advice
  • BobsYourUncle's avatar
    BobsYourUncle
    Nomad
    Jul 27, 2021
    Couple years ago I saw the coolest tire covers I've ever seen.

    They had pieces of plywood that fit in there nicely against the wheels, and on that plywood was painted wheels to look identical to the rims and tires.
    I really had to look twice when I saw it. What a great idea!
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Jul 27, 2021
    spoon059 wrote:
    I'm not sure if it helps them last any longer or not. Its far better for the tires to be driven on a more regular basis. It sure won't HURT the tires to cover them.

    Agree. But I replaced a set of Michelin after 8 years never covered and still looked practically new. No cracking at all. Me? I wouldn’t bother. Just one more thing to mess with.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Jul 26, 2021
    If you plan to park a RV for several months where the sun shines, perhaps covers will provide benefit. But a frequently used RV benefits best from keeping the tires clean, and rolling down the road. Using a product like 303 adds a bit of UV protection which is good.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jul 26, 2021
    Wouldn’t consider not using covers if parked for more than five days.
  • spoon059's avatar
    spoon059
    Explorer II
    Jul 26, 2021
    I'm not sure if it helps them last any longer or not. Its far better for the tires to be driven on a more regular basis. It sure won't HURT the tires to cover them.
  • NamMedevac_70's avatar
    NamMedevac_70
    Explorer II
    Jul 26, 2021
    Yes I used them for many years in Texas and frequently applied 303 liquid spray protectant to the new Maxxis TT tires plus truck tires and never any cracks appeared. Then 303 was bought at West Marine but now you can find it at O'Reilly's also.

    No extra hassle for me at all.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2021
    Around here you better cover them. Lessens heat and uv damage.

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