Key Takeaways

  • Storing off-season tires properly will maximize their life, keep them performing up to their potential, and protect them from harmful UV rays, moisture, and chemicals. This saves you money by preventing expensive replacements.

  • Seasonal tire changes should be timed with local weather conditions and per manufacturer recommendations. Monitor mileage and tread wear to determine the best timing.

  • Clean the tires inside and out to get them ready for storage. Look for signs of damage, keep them properly inflated and avoid tire dressings that will destroy the rubber.

  • Store tires in a cool, dry, dark location away from any chemical vapors and UV light. Store in a cool, dry location using protective covers or bags, and keep them off concrete floors to prevent deterioration.

  • For mounted tires, store them standing or hung on a rack. For unmounted tires, stack them side by side with the rim flat, no more than four high. Tire racks or professional tire storage services make it easy.

  • Outdoor tire storage isn’t perfect, but you can do it successfully. Using waterproof tire covers, storing tires off the ground, and making sure they’re clean and dry can all help mitigate risk.

When storing off-season tires, do so in a cool, dry, and dark area to help preserve their quality. A garage, basement, or climate-controlled storage unit is perfect! Simply ensure that it’s protected from direct sunlight, extreme heat, and humidity.

Cleaning the tire before storing eliminates potential debris and saves the tire from unnecessary damage while it is stored. Storing tires horizontally stacked or hung can help avoid deformities, but never store tires under excessive weight.

Using tire bags or covers provides an added layer of protection against dust and temperature variations. Storing them correctly prolongs your tires’ life.

It also means they’ll be ready for the road when the season changes. Small actions such as these go a long way in ensuring tire performance and safety.

Why Store Off-Season Tires Properly

Proper storage makes a huge difference in maximizing the lifespan of a tire and ensuring peak performance. Properly storing tires keeps them in great shape and prevents wasting time and money by not being prepared when it comes time to return to the road. Poor or improper storage can lead to disastrous outcomes.

Without proper storage you risk premature aging, cracks and loss of traction, all of which jeopardize safety and efficiency. Direct sunlight or high humidity can degrade the rubber. Leaving tires in a garage can put them at risk for ozone damage. This becomes dangerous for the roadway.

Environmental hazards such as UV rays and moisture are usually the main suspects when it comes to tire deterioration. Over time, ozone, UV rays, and oxidation can cause tire rubber to degrade, resulting in softening, cracking, or even blowout.

It’s true, 80% of tire blowouts occur as a result of improper storage according to stats. That’s why it’s critical to store tires in a cool, dry, and dark place. Dirty tires can trap dirt, salt, and brake dust, which contribute to accelerated wear if tires are not cleaned and stored properly.

A quick, easy routine of cleaning and inspecting tires prior to storage will help avoid these pitfalls. Proper tire storage will keep you safe and make sure your tires last for many more tire-swapping seasons to come.

This can mean serious savings by avoiding going through tires that need replaced often. In the end, a little effort up front when it comes to off-season storage tires will go a long way.

When to Change Seasonal Tires

Changing your seasonal tires at the appropriate time is important for both your safety and your vehicle’s performance. Seasonal tire changes are mostly based on temperature and local climate.

Winter tires are best in conditions where it’s below 7°C all the time. Their rubber compounds remain pliable, ensuring a strong grip on the road. Summer tires, on the other hand, perform better starting at this line. Keeping an eye on temperature fluctuations, especially in the transitional spring and fall months, will help you maximize your tire performance and safety.

In Ontario, we typically reach an average of 7°C between late October and mid-November. This means early November is the perfect time to put on winter tires. Local climate patterns are a big factor.

Quebec has a mandatory winter tire law from December 1st to March 15th. At the same time, British Columbia has a similar requirement for winter tires on all major highways through April 30th. These regulations show how crucial it is to adjust to what works best for each region.

Keeping a close eye on local forecasts will allow you to be ahead of any unexpected temperature drops or changes. It’s helpful to follow manufacturer recommendations. They typically provide guidance on the best times to change them seasonally, balancing safety with the need to protect tires.

Prior to remounting tires, professional inspections are recommended to confirm they’re in their prime for another season. Finally, always remember to keep track of the mileage and tread wear. Tires worn down to 4/32” or less severely reduce grip, especially on snow and ice.

Steps to Prepare Tires for Storage

Follow these steps to make sure your off-season tires are ready to perform when you need them next. By taking these proactive steps, you can help ensure that your tires last longer and perform at their best.

1. Clean Tires Thoroughly

How to Clean Tires - The Home Depot

Removing dirt and grime is crucial to stop any contaminants from eating away at the rubber. Cut grease. Use warm, soapy water to scrub off any dirt, brake dust, and tire dressings.

A tire brush is especially handy for getting in tight spaces. After washing, make sure the tires are thoroughly dry to prevent mold or mildew in storage. Frequent cleaning while the tires are in use will help them last longer.

Cleaning them well before stowing them away for winter months is essential to keeping winter tires in optimal condition.

2. Check for Damage or Wear

Examine each tire closely for any signs of cracking, bulging or irregular wear. If the tread depth is less than 6/32 of an inch, it’s time to replace that tire.

If you need to reference it in the future, be sure to document any damage for repair. Taking care of things today avoids creating unsafe situations tomorrow.

3. Maintain Correct Air Pressure

Make sure to fully inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure before putting them into storage. This will help keep them from losing their shape and creating flat spots.

Inflate to maximum stone periodical in storage, especially in a controlled clime under 15°C. Correct inflation protects both tire performance and integrity during the time tires are being stored.

4. Avoid Using Tire Dressings

Tire dressings tend to attract dirt and can dry out or deteriorate the rubber altogether. Make cleaning the priority instead of using products that can damage the chemical makeup of the tire.

Knowing the ultimate impact of dressings on rubber compounds will help ensure the quality of tires over the long haul.

5. Protect White Rubber Areas

If your tires have white rubber sections, store tires so that the white sections face each other. Protective covers can protect these areas from staining and fading.

Keep the colored rubber from contact to avoid staining. Cleaning them regularly will keep whitewalls looking pristine and beautiful.

Best Storage Practices for Tires

Off-Season Tire Storage Tips | Nothing But Tires

Following best storage practices for tires will ensure they last longer and perform better. To know you’re following best practices, keep these tips in mind to ensure your off-season tires stay in great shape and last longer. Here, we’ve provided the best storage practices to keep tires secure and stored properly.

1. Select a Cool and Dry Location

Climate-controlled, well-ventilated space is best for tire storage. Garages, attics and sheds see extreme temperature changes and high humidity, which can both ruin the rubber compounds. Moisture is a huge enemy, as it increases the rate of tire degradation.

Choose basements or professional storage facilities if you can, where the elements are more controlled. This is particularly important in more temperate climates, like Canadian winters, where outdoor storage is impractical. For extra convenience, many Toyota dealers – like McGeorge – provide climate-controlled storage.

2. Keep Tires Away from Sunlight

UV rays will dry out the tire, leading to cracking and a general weakening of the rubber. Keeping tires in dark places or using solid tire storage covers eliminates this concern.

When storing longer-term, check stored tires often for signs of UV degradation, including discoloration or surface cracking.

3. Avoid Exposure to Chemicals

Tires must be stored away from ozone-producing equipment such as motors and generators. Likewise, materials like solvents, oils, and fuels can cause oxidation and damage the rubber’s structural integrity.

Always be vigilant in your storage area and make sure that you do not have any chemical contamination.

4. Use Protective Covers or Bags

Sealed plastic bags, particularly those designed for tire storage, or specialty tire totes are the best options for securing tires. Pushing excess air out of the bags stops moisture from being trapped inside, and labeling the bags makes it simple to identify what’s inside.

If you plan to store them long-term, this added layer of protection means they’ll stay durable for years to come.

5. Prevent Contact with Concrete Floors

Concrete floors can conduct cold and moisture, leading to tire degradation. Elevating tires on the ground with wooden pallets or something similar not only gives you a barrier, but it helps prevent flat spots.

Tires will be under less stress and distortion when stored vertically, so this is the preferable orientation. It is acceptable to stack tires on rims so long as they are reconfigured every four weeks. You should never stack or suspend unmounted tires.

Storage Options for Mounted and Unmounted Tires

Whether your tires are mounted or unmounted, proper off-season storage is critical to their lifespan and performance when they’re reinstalled. How you should store your tires will be based on if they are mounted (on rims) or unmounted. Below are practical options for both:

  • To avoid deforming mounted tires, store them either standing up or mounted on a tire rack.

  • Stack unmounted tires flat (no more than four high) to prevent toppling.

  • Use tire racks for neat, accessible storage.

  • Look into professional tire storage services to save time, and ensure your tires are stored properly.

1. Tips for Storing Tires with Rims

When mounted, tires should be stored in an upright position to reduce stress on sidewalls. Clean rims completely before storage to make sure all debris or corrosive buildup is removed.

Tire covers are an inexpensive and effective way to protect rims from scratches and further environmental damage. If storing rims, check for corrosion or cracking on a regular basis.

2. Considerations for Storing Tires without Rims

Unmounted tires can be laid flat but only in limited quantities, no more than four tires high, to avoid deformation. Tire totes or storage caddies are a great solution for easy movement and to store tires in a neat appearance.

To prevent tires from developing flat spots, tires that are stored stacked should be occasionally rotated. Regardless, make sure storage locations are always cool, dry, and out of ozone exposure, which speeds tire aging.

3. Decide Between Standing, Stacking, or Hanging

How you decide to store your tires depends on the space you have available. Standing tires on their sides is great for alleviating stress, but stacking saves space.

Hanging is only an option for mounted tires, but it saves a lot of floor space and offers the quickest access. Whatever method you use to store tires, check tires regularly for signs of deformation.

Can Tires Be Stored Outside

Outdoor tire storage is possible, but it takes a lot of diligent effort to keep tires from being marred. While tires are built to be rugged, leaving them outdoors indefinitely exposes them to moisture, sunlight, and temperature extremes and can damage their integrity. Knowing how to mitigate these risks is key to keeping them around for the long haul while ensuring optimal performance.

1. Risks of Outdoor Storage

Keeping tires outside puts them at risk of a number of dangers that can drastically affect tire quality. UV rays from sunlight can degrade rubber over time, leading to cracks that compromise the tire’s integrity. Temperature changes have an impact on performance, particularly in extreme winter environments such as Canada.

When exposed to ozone or ultraviolet light, rubber can harden or soften, ruining its effectiveness. Moisture from rain or snow can easily penetrate the material, causing mold or other types of damage. For instance, snow remaining on tires can freeze and expand, causing surface fractures.

Whether from storms and debris, or from animals roaming through your storage area, physical damage can occur, leaving scratches, punctures, or damage. When tires are stored incorrectly, their life can be cut in half. In fact, it’s responsible for 95% of tire destruction, particularly when tires are stored outside without adequate protection.

2. How to Protect Tires Outdoors

To minimize risks, follow these practical steps for outdoor storage:

  • Protect tires from precipitation and UV rays by covering them with tarps or purpose-built tire covers.

  • Store tires on pallets or raised platforms to avoid moisture absorption from the ground.

  • Wipe down clean and store totally dry tires before sealing with a cover to prevent mold growth or chemical contamination.

Monitor regularly: Look for signs of wear or damage, particularly after inclement weather. If stacking tires without rims, rotate every four weeks to prevent flat spots.

For tires not on rims, flat stacking is the most space-efficient method. With the right care, tires stored outdoors can deliver many years of dependable service, even in harsher climates and conditions.

Benefits of Professional Tire Storage

Professional tire storage offers an individualized approach to caring for your seasonal tires. It is one way for consumers to ensure that their tires are consistently taken care of. This premium service provides you with a complete experience that far exceeds traditional tire storage. From great expert handling to unrivaled convenience, all the way to great peace of mind.

When you opt for professional storage, you leave your tires in the care of experts who know exactly how to store them in order to extend their lifespan. James Toyota employs climate controlled units to protect their tires. This arrangement protects them from damaging UV rays and temperature extremes, greatly lowering the chance of damage and wear over time.

With the right storage, you’ll get the most out of your tires. About 80% of tire damage is due to bad storage conditions like sun exposure, humidity or rough stacking. When you have a professional take care of them, these risks go out the window, keeping your tread quality and safety intact.

Most services, such as Elite Self Storage, offer regular inspections, making sure your tires stay in tip top shape. This provides real value by reducing surprise costs from early failures. Professionals use facilities that protect space at home while providing secure, theft-proof environments in advance of the home locking devices.

Easier access is another benefit. The convenience of both transportation and access to full-service installation facilities cuts down on time and hassle during those seasonal swaps. When you’re confident that your tires are in the best possible hands under the right circumstances, you can rest easy and put your attention elsewhere.

Conclusion

Properly storing off-season tires ensures they aren’t damaged and are ready when it’s time to change seasons. It prevents uneven wear, saves you money, and protects your drive’s safety. A cool, dry, dark place is ideal. Storing tires flat or stacking them using a tire storage rack avoids warping and punctures. Covering them up prevents sunlight and dust from accumulating on the tires. For tires that are mounted on wheels, inflation is your best friend. Whether in your garage or theirs, if space is at a premium, professional storage services are a dependable option. They store your tires safely to keep them in great condition and give you space at home.

If you’re storing off-season tires, make arrangements in advance and be sure to store them properly. That’s a small army of tire warriors doing a modest thing with huge impact. Now that you’re prepared to store your tires, here’s how to do it properly. Get started today and ensure your ride stays smooth and safe next season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to store off-season tires properly?

Keeping tires in a climate-controlled area keeps them from cracking, developing flat spots, and the rubber from deteriorating. It maximizes the lifespan of your tires and gives you peace of mind when you return to using them. Failure to store properly can result in expensive replacements.

When should I change to seasonal tires?

Changeover to winter tires when the temperature goes consistently under 7°C and return to summer/all season tires when it’s reliably above. This helps guarantee that your tires are performing at their best and keeping you safe.

How should I prepare my tires for storage?

Wash your tires, make sure you dry them, and look for any signs of damage. Remove any debris, and store them in airtight bags to keep them safe from moisture and oxygen.

Can I store tires outside?

Don’t leave your tires outside. Weather extremes, UV exposure and moisture can all take a toll. Regardless of how you choose to store your tires, always store them in a cool, dry, and shaded environment.

What are the best practices for storing tires?

If you leave your off-season tires somewhere, store them upright to prevent flat spots. Store them in airtight bags, out of direct sunlight, heat and chemicals. Keep the storage area at an even temperature.

Should mounted and unmounted tires be stored differently?

Yes. Mounted tires should be stored standing up, while unmounted tires can be stacked with the tread flat. Make sure both are clean and protected from the elements.

What are the benefits of professional tire storage?

With professional storage, your tires are stored in temperature-controlled, secure locations. It frees up space at home, and it extends tire life by avoiding damage that can occur when storing them yourself.

 

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