As we transition into the new season – and summer right around the corner – it is a good idea to swap out our tires. But those old ones could come in use, again, especially if they are winter tires. It is important to store tires properly to ensure that when you take them out next season they are not damaged or destined for the dumpster. Check out our tips below and see if you have been properly storing your tires!

Before storing the tires make sure they are clean. Nothing is worse than letting your tires sit in the grimy build up from the road. Grab a tire brush, soap and water and get scrubbin’. Don’t forget to clean your wheels if you leave them in your tires. Once they are clean, dry them completely and avoid applying tire products.

After their bath, each tire should be placed in its own large, airtight plastic bag for storage. Lawn and leaf bags work very nicely here, the bag should be big enough to cover the entire tire. Do not allow any moisture to enter the bag. Remove as much air as you possibly can and zip tie or tape the bag closed. This step will keep tire lubrication in the bag and will prevent oil evaporation.  

Keep the tires in a cool, dry location – preferably climate controlled. Basements work the best for this purpose. Places like attics or garages are exposed to extreme temperatures and can have detrimental effects on tires. Also, keep tires out of direct sunlight, UV rays and heat are known to can cause damage to tires.

Store tires vertically. Stacking tires horizontally can cause stress and tire distortion. It is important to keep your tires off of the ground, as well. Place a clean piece of wood and place your tires on top.

If you choose not to store your tires in plastic bags, consider storing them white to white and black to black to prevent staining of the white rubber.

Lastly, if you have tires on a vehicle that you do not plan to use for a long period of time, remove them. Inactivity over long periods of time can be more harmful to the tires than frequent drives. Driving on your tires helps flex the tire and maintain oil dispersion.

Tires are constantly aging, these tips can help slow the process and will allow you to get a longer, better use out of them!