Forum Discussion

MarkieBob's avatar
MarkieBob
Explorer
May 21, 2020

Tire care. Park on wood?

I’ve heard long term parking on wood instead of concrete is better. Anyone know if true and why?
  • My research (google) shows it doesn't matter. What's more damaging is constant sun exposure.
  • Those you heard from are tire engineers, chemists or otherwise qualified to make recommendations?
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    That wood stuff in for parking on soil or gravel, where you might sink in over time. Cover the sun-side of the exposed tire with tire covers or plywood, as 2oldman says.
  • I went to my local truck stop and got three big boy mud flaps.
    Cut one in half for front tires and have been parking on them for years.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Back in the days of the Model T. yes this was true.. Or so i'm told (I'm not quite that old) today's tires are made of different stuff so that's an old driver's tale.

    Now here is a fact: the worst thing you can do for tires: PARK (long Term)

    THey like to go rolling rolling rolling keep those wheels rolling. Keep oils flowing around. protective oils rise up, when you drive up.. keepign the rubber soft and sound. Tires love driving. for their lives it is saving. Helping to keep them nice and round.

    (Sorry I tend to write alternative verses to songs... Rawhide in this case)
  • Park my trailer tires on old roofing shingles, keeps them out of dirt. Don't think concrete matters.
  • I have talked to engineers at major tire companies for articles and they said #1 for preserving tires is as previous poster put to lyrics:

    "THey like to go rolling rolling rolling keep those wheels rolling. Keep oils flowing around. protective oils rise up, when you drive up.. keepign the rubber soft and sound. Tires love driving. for their lives it is saving. Helping to keep them nice and round."

    Also I've found 303 Protectant to be excellent for rubber and vinyl (like spa cover). It has UV screens, is made in USA, easy to apply and makes tires look great (not greasy, not sticky)