Question About NT01 Mounting Temperature Requirement

[jmciver]

So I just purchased a new set Nitto NT01's in preparation for my first track event this season (and my first one in the F80) in April (now cancelled due to COVID-19, but that is a different discussion .....). I have been going to the track for years, always using used race tires, but this is my first set of "new" track tires. A label on the NT01's stated that the tires should be stored at a temp of 68 F for 24 hrs before mounting or dismounting due to the softer rubber compound.

The average temps now where I live (the DMV, in the Mid-Atlantic), are upper 50's during the day and mid 40's at night, give or take, and slowly rising as Spring approaches. I purposely bought the tires now, vice a few months ago, since I did not want to have new race rubber being stored in a cold, non heated garage. So I understand how temperature affects high performance tires. But the mount/dismount temp warning on the NT01's surprised me a bit.

Using the outside temp gauge in my M3 (which is parked inside the garage, and has not been run for 24 hrs or so), it is a cool 60 F in my garage now, and will probably dip to the lower 50's overnight. So given the average temps in my area (and more specifically in my garage) this time of year, is it really necessary to store them above 68 F for 24 hrs before I have them mounted? Or are the temps I am at now good enough?

[slicer]

Originally Posted by jmciver

So I just purchased a new set Nitto NT01's in preparation for my first track event this season (and my first one in the F80) in April (now cancelled due to COVID-19, but that is a different discussion .....). I have been going to the track for years, always using used race tires, but this is my first set of "new" track tires. A label on the NT01's stated that the tires should be stored at a temp of 68 F for 24 hrs before mounting or dismounting due to the softer rubber compound.

The average temps now where I live (the DMV, in the Mid-Atlantic), are upper 50's during the day and mid 40's at night, give or take, and slowly rising as Spring approaches. I purposely bought the tires now, vice a few months ago, since I did not want to have new race rubber being stored in a cold, non heated garage. So I understand how temperature affects high performance tires. But the mount/dismount temp warning on the NT01's surprised me a bit.

Using the outside temp gauge in my M3 (which is parked inside the garage, and has not been run for 24 hrs or so), it is a cool 60 F in my garage now, and will probably dip to the lower 50's overnight. So given the average temps in my area (and more specifically in my garage) this time of year, is it really necessary to store them above 68 F for 24 hrs before I have them mounted? Or are the temps I am at now good enough?

I would bring them indoors to meet the manufacturer recommendation. Not that much effort to avoid a potential issue.

[jmciver]

Yeah, I did that (since like you said it is not hard - although my wife was not too happy about 4 tires sitting in the dining room ). I was just curious if there were any other thoughts on this as I had not seen that type of recommendation before regarding mounting/dismounting. Now I am just waiting for the right time to get them mounted due to all of the "other" stuff going on right now....

[CanAutM3]

Mounting and dismounting tires puts a huge amount of stress on the tires due to high required deformation to fit on the rim. If the tread material is in its harder phase during install, it can tear/crack internally. It is not only a question of bringing the tires to the right temperate, they also need to have sat at the right temperature for enough time for the rubber to have entirely transitioned to the proper phase.

[jmciver]

Yeah, I had the tires inside for 48+ hrs. Took one tire today to a local shop to get it mounted (was not sure if the shop could do it - some can't handle race tires). Went on without a hitch.....