How to store tires properly: Practical tips for longevity

Changing to winter tires is an annual routine for drivers. But what about the set of summer tires you won’t use for several months? Proper tire storage is key to maintaining their lifespan and ensuring safe use in the next season. How can you store your tires to keep them in top condition without losing their properties?

1. Basic Storage Rules

Tires are not just “rubber” that can be left lying around anywhere. Their storage conditions significantly affect their state. Follow these rules:

– Dry, dark, and stable temperature: Store tires in a dry, dark, and cool environment. Sunlight and high temperatures damage the rubber. The ideal temperature range is 10–15°C.
– Away from chemicals: Avoid contact with oils, gasoline, or other aggressive substances.
– Keep away from heat sources: Never store tires near radiators, boilers, or other heat sources.
– Clean before storing: Thoroughly clean the tires before storing them.
– Check pressure during winter: Ideally, monitor tire pressure and inflate them as needed.

2. Storage by Type

How you store your tires depends on whether they are mounted on rims or not:

Tires without rims

– Upright position: Store them standing upright to avoid tread deformation.
– Do not hang: Hanging tires without rims can deform the sidewall.
– Covers: Use protective covers or sturdy plastic bags to keep out dust and moisture.

Tires with rims
– Stack horizontally: Place rim-mounted tires flat in a stack.
– Hang: Alternatively, hang them on special holders to minimize deformation risk.
– Cover them: Just like unmounted tires, use covers to protect them.
– Avoid upright storage: This is not suitable due to the risk of deformation.

3. Inspection Before Storage

Before storing your tires, inspect them thoroughly:

– Tread depth: Summer tires should have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. If they are worn below this level, replace them instead of storing.
– Rubber condition: Check for cracks, bulges, or other damage.
– Tire age: If tires are older than six years, their properties may be compromised, even if they look fine.

4. Common Storage Mistakes

– Leaving tires outdoors: Even covered, tires stored outside are affected by temperature fluctuations and moisture.
– Haphazard basement storage: Tires should never be piled chaotically, as this can cause deformation.
– Forgetting covers: Rubber is sensitive to dust and moisture, so always cover your tires.

5. What If You Don’t Have Space?

If you lack space for tire storage, consider using tire shops or specialized storage centers. They ensure optimal conditions, giving you peace of mind that your tires will remain in excellent condition until the next season.

Summary

Proper tire storage is simple but requires adherence to a few basic principles. Store them in a dry, cool, and dark place, use covers, and inspect them regularly. Careful storage extends the lifespan of your tires and ensures safe driving in the seasons ahead.

Source: cars-stories.com