Take Care of the Tires while You Are Not Using your Motorcycle
September is synonymous with the return to routine, and also the beginning of cold weather. Continental would like to give you tips on how to properly maintain and care for your motorcycle tires during the winter months, especially for those users who, in the event of bad weather or snowfall, may not use their motorcycles as often this season.
Cleaning and Preparation
Whether it is because bad weather arrives and you are not going to use your motorcycle for a few days or because you only take it on the road on weekends, it is always very important to clean the tires. It is advisable to wipe the entire tread with a cloth dampened with water. This will make us more aware of the actual state of the tire and if there is any dirt impregnated.
The ideal is to do it simply with water, even with a little pressure, and not with cleaning products, as they can not only be slippery, but can also produce a reaction with the rubber and affect its grip and behavior.
Pressure
This is a topic that we have discussed repeatedly, but in this case we will specify when the tire is going to remain stationary, even for a short period of time such as 3-4 days. The best answer is the easiest one: the one offered by the motorcycle manufacturer for each of its compounds. In this way we are always on the safe side. It is important to avoid the same support area for days, as this can cause the tire to start to deform. In addition, cold and temperature changes between day and night also affect the tire.
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Elevation of the Motorcycle
The elevation of the motorcycle is a very important aspect. As we have just mentioned, Continental recommends raising the motorcycle to reduce tire pressure and avoid deformation due to constant contact with the ground. This is possible thanks to stands on each wheel that raise the bike and avoid direct contact with the ground.
Tire Rotation
In the case of not having stands for each axle of the motorcycle, normally the conventional or series usually raises one of the two wheels. Even so, it is always advisable to rotate the tires frequently. A very opportune moment to check them, to see the state in which they are or even to check their pressures.
Proper Storage
Store your tires and, in general, your motorcycle in a cool, dry and dark place to protect them from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Cold weather is coming and it is best to store your tires in a garage. Temperatures should be between 15°C and 25°C, although it is normal for the minimum to plummet at this time of year. Keep an eye on this!
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Covering the Tires
Rather than covering the tires specifically, it would be better to cover the bike, either for a few days or weeks indoor and outdoor to protect them from dirt and dust. Remember, never put the cover on the bike as soon as you get off it, when it is hot. Wait at least one hour until it cools down completely before putting the cover over it. In the case of having the tires on their own, there are several covers to protect them.
Date of Manufacture and Useful Life
If, for example, you are not going to use your motorcycle for days because of snowfall, even if you remember that your tire had some life left in it, its condition may have worsened due to several factors while it was not in use.
The date of manufacture of a tire is usually indicated on the sidewalls, known as the DOT code. The last four digits of the code give the date of manufacture: the first two refer to the week and the last two to the year. For example: DOT XXXX XXXX 3623 (manufacture week 36 of the year 2023).
If you see this date nearby, together with a bad condition of your tires and many kilometers driven with them, when you add this low temperature stop, it is very likely that it is time to change the tires of your motorcycle.
Maintenance during Storage
As always, even if bad weather slows down your outings with the bike during the coming winter, remember to monitor it frequently, both the compounds and the condition of the bike in general. Especially the tire pressure and avoid damage to the tires.
