Your CD-R discs are not going to last forever. In fact, the lifespan of some discs may be significantly shorter than you expect. There are many different factors that affect the longevity of a recordable CD, but there are also a handful of precautions you can take to get the most out of your discs.
Elements damage discs
Heat, sunlight, and other elements damage CD-R discs. Store your discs in a cool, dry, dark place. Try keeping them in a protective binder or a set of jewel cases, out of direct light.
Chemicals damage discs
Although you can write on one side of most discs, it is not recommended that you do so. The different compounds contained in ink may cause your recordable discs to deteriorate. The same goes for adhesives - don’t stick anything on your CD-Rs.
Adhering stickers and other things to CD-R discs may also cause immediate damage. A decal adds weight to a portion of a disc, which can cause it to spin off its axis. If the added weight is significant, the disc may collide with the inside of your disc drive, scratching the disc and possibly damaging the drive.
You get what you pay for
Although it’s difficult to figure out where a disc comes from judging just by brand (source: Wikipedia), it’s always safe to subscribe to the age-old saying “you get what you pay for”. Cheap discs may cost less because they originate from an inferior manufacturing process and low-quality materials.
Use a slower write speed
According to Wikipedia’s Optimal storage conditions and expected lifespan for CD-Rs, burning at too fast a speed may introduce undetectable errors that cause problems down the line. A slower burn is a more thorough burn, and contributes to a longer lasting disc.
