Tips for Storing Away Tires Between Seasons

In order to make sure tires are still roadworthy and give you maximum protection, you’ll need to know how to store them properly.

This means keeping them out of sunlight, away from extreme temperatures and under cover. Below are our top tips to keep your tires in great condition.

Why It’s Important to Properly Store Tires

Bulky, heavy, and round, tires can be pretty tough to store away neatly out of sight.

But, it’s important to know how to properly take care of seasonal tires and store them to make sure they are in great condition when you need to use them again.

How Long Can Tires Be Stored Before They Go Bad?

Tires wear down over time but there are several things you can do to prevent it. From avoiding extreme temperatures to keeping them in a clean and dry space, you can avoid things like distortion and dry rot. They can make tires unsuitable for road use quickly.

Generally, tires last longer the less you wear them down. So, your seasonal tires should last much longer than standard tires, which may get double the use. It’s important to keep checking the tread on your tires to make sure it’s in line with legal standards to be roadworthy.

Most tires last between 60,000 and 75,000 miles. This could mean your tires are good for anything between five and 10 years, depending on how much they are used.

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Always Clean Tires Before Storage

To clean your tires properly, you’ll need detergent, water, and a sturdy tire brush. It’s vital that you don’t scrimp on the cleaning stage, as you’ll regret it when the seasons change and it’s time to get your winter tires out again.

Give them a thorough clean to get rid of a grime and all the brake dust which can get stuck between the treads. Avoid using any strong tire cleaner as this can break down the rubber and cause tires to deteriorate faster.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Sunlight can cause a huge amount of damage to your tires and cause them to deteriorate prematurely. The UV rays can slowly break down the rubber, making them considerably weaker over time. Keeping your tires out of heat and sunlight is recommended to make sure they stay in the best possible condition.

Shifts in temperature can also impact the quality of your tires – this can be getting too hot or too cold. This fluctuation leads to dry rotting, so it’s recommended that you find a dry place where the temperature doesn’t change too much.

Garages tend to be where most people choose to store their tires, but temperature changes often mean this isn’t always the best place for them. A climate controlled space is advised to help keep your tires in good condition.

Avoid Using Gloss Products

Tires don’t need any extra help to stay in great condition. There are many different products on the market which claim to extend the life of your tires, but all you need is to store your tires properly to extend their longevity.

Tires are formulated to resist the ozone cracking and will remain intact without any gloss product applied. While it claims to extend their life, it can do the opposite – so it’s recommended to avoid using additional products altogether.

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Should Tires Be Stored Flat or Upright?

The best way to store your tires is standing upright. It isn’t a problem to store them flat, but it can become problematic if you stack too many like this. This causes pressure on the tires and can lead to bending. Stacking can also lead to the tires falling over and damaging other items in the surrounding area.

If your tires include a rim, it can be preferable to store them stacked or hanging on a hook. Tires without rims should never be stored on a hook, as this can distort the shape, so be sure to always store the same types of tires together.

Best Places to Store Tires Between Seasons

Between seasons, it’s recommended you store tires in storage to prevent them from becoming flat bottomed when left on the car.

Wherever you choose to store your tires, make sure it’s indoors as outdoor areas tend to expose tires to the elements more.

Tires can be kept indoors in airtight bags which helps keep them clean and protected from any sunlight which can damage the makeup of the rubber.

Storing your winter or summer tires in a climate controlled storage unit can keep them out of the way and ready for the elements next time you need them.

This way, you’ll avoid sunlight and changes in temperature – two key factors to avoid if want to keep your tires roadworthy for as long as possible.