Tires: dry rot on tires, michelin tires, bmw z3

Question
we have a 2002 bmw z3 that is stored during the winter mos.  we live in pennsylvania.  the area where it it stored is not heated.  we are replacing the tires due to dry rot.  Is there anything we can do to prevent dry rot? does storing the tires expedite dry rot?  would it make sense to put the old tires on when it is stored and keep the good tires in our basement which is heated?

Answer
Jeanne,

 The first issue here is the age of the tires, from the data you furnished me, you have tires that are 6 years old.  This alone is enough to explain the weather checking.  I would venture to guess that these are Michelin tires if so, this an inherent condition on this brand and I'm not aware of anything you can do to prevent it.  I wish I had a magic pill for this but nothing gets around aging not even a tire...lol

   When it comes to a tire, due to it's chemical make up, NOT using a tire does hasten weather checking.  Simply because the molecules are not masticated and are unable to go through heating/cooling processes that enhance their durability and life.

 Keeping the new tires in your basement, covered and off the floor is a good idea.  Lay the tires flat and periodically rearrange them.  DO NOT store them standing up.