How To Properly Store Winter Tires
You've probably already changed your seasonal tires yourself, or had them changed by professionals. However, you may not have considered how to store winter tires, properly, after they're removed.
Properly storing your tires is more important than many people realize - the improper storage of tires could potentially ruin or damage them, and shorten their lifespan, requiring you to buy another set. When you store and handle them correctly, you ensure that they bring years of service, saving you both time and money. A good quality set if tires, properly stored, should last 6 - 10 seasons!
To get the most out of your rubber, learn how to properly store winter tires. If you don't know how already, just follow this simple guide!
LubeVan Winter Tire Storage Guide
1. Clean & Dry Your Tires
Removing a winter season’s worth of road dirt and grime is the first step to properly maintaining your tires. Skipping this step can and will result in corroded and deteriorating rubber. Using a tire brush, soap, and water will get the job done perfectly.
After cleaning, make sure they’re completely dry before moving onto the next step. You can also use this time to search your tires for signs of wear and tear like cracks, uneven treads, or bulges. If you notice any of the above, book a LubeVan to repair your flat tire, or replace it with a new one.
2. Skip The Bagging Process
The misconception associated with bagging tires for storage suggests that they must be sealed in order to be protected. This is simply a myth.
It's true that leaving your tires out in the elements quickens their deterioration. However, its actually sunlight and excessive heat that is most harmful to the longevity of tires.
3. Pick The Best Place to Store Winter Tires
We recommend that you do not store winter tires outside or in a space that's exposed to the elements. Instead, seek a climate-controlled workshop, basement, or garage. The best place to properly store your tires should:
- Be cool and dry
- Be spacious and ventilates
- Be away from sources of heat
- Have no motor nearby (i.e hot water tank, furnace, water heater)
Most importantly;Â the best place to store winter tires is somewhere that is safe to do so! Never store any tires in a high place where you could be injured by lifting or lowering the tire from it's storage location.
4. Hanging, Stacked, or Standing?
Before you decide how you'll store your tires, you should understand the to primary surfaces of every tire.
The face of the tire is the flat patch which makes contact with the road. The sidewall of the tire is the rubber which surrounds the rim.
Now, the the general rule of thumb varies a little for different types of tires so always be sure to check with your manufacturer if you're not sure. That said, one common and important distinction is whether you are storing tires which are mounted on rims or tires which are off rims:
Store Winter Tires Off Rims
If your tires are not on rims, avoid stacking or hanging them. Unmounted tires should always be stored with the face of the tire on the ground, otherwise, the sidewall of the tires may compress and make it difficult for the technician to reinstall.
Store Winter Tires On Rims
If your tires are mounted on rims, you should hang them up, in a low and accessible space or stack each one with the sidewall of the tires on the floor or ground. Avoid storing them standing the face of the tire.
Should You Store Winter Tires Inflated or Deflated?
It’s typically okay to store your winter tires over the summer, while fully inflated. There’s no need to deflate them for long-term storage. Tires that are mounted on rims should never be deflated for seasonal storage.
Storing White Letter Tires Properly
White letter tires should be stacked with the face of the tire on the ground. Stack them white to white, and black to black to prevent staining the white rubber. If you stack the tires on top of each other, it’s best to place some cardboard or towels in between the tires to prevent the damaging either the sidewall rubber or rims.
Where To Store Winter Tires For Summer
For most, storing winter tires is just another thing to add to the list of tasks to prepare your vehicle for summer. For those living in condos and apartments, it’s even worse due to limited space, and expensive, in-unit storage fees.
LubeVan Mobile Tire Storage is here to help. We create a second home for both your winter and summer tire sets, all the while keeping them safe, clean, and secure. We pick up your tires, deliver them to our secure storage facility, and bring them back to you when it's time to install them again next season. When it’s the seasonal changeover time of year, simply make an appointment with us, and we will take care of everything!
Just like humans, tires never stop aging. Your vehicle's tires will need replacing in the future, but by following these tips you can help to prolong the inevitable. Winter tires are an investment, so it’s crucial you take care of them.
What gets everyone through the harsh Canadian winters is being confident in their tires capabilities and performance.
