With winter about to arrive in full force, many people across the United States will switch to a different set of tires. This means you will have a set of tires you need to store in your garage, shed or basement throughout the next several months.

It is important to engage in proper storage of your tires to keep them in good condition and ensure they’re ready to use again once spring arrives. Here are a few tips for good tire storage that will help you prolong their lifespan.

Clean the tires

Before you pack them away into storage, clean off your tires to remove as much dirt and grime as possible. If you keep the tires on wheels throughout the winter, clean the wheels as well. Dry them completely before putting them in storage to prevent issues with corrosion or mold.

Use covers

You may be able to get away with using airtight plastic bags for storage, but we recommend the use of seasonal tire covers, which have been specially designed for the purpose of tire storage. Race Ramps seasonal tire covers are designed to fit seasonal tires up to nine inches wide, and feature a polyester material with PVC backing for extra protection and durability.

For vehicles with larger tires that will be stored in a sheltered, climate-controlled environment, our larger, lightweight tire covers offer protection against dust for tires up to 33 inches in diameter and 12 inches wide.

Vertical vs horizontal

Whenever possible, aim to store your tires vertically instead of horizontally. This will reduce the amount of stress placed on the tire and prevent potential distortion. Place the tires on clean wood rather than putting them directly on the ground, or rack them if you have the space and available materials to do so.

Avoid sunlight

Tire covers help with this, but even when covered it helps to store tires in areas where they will not be exposed to direct sunlight. The ultraviolet rays and heat that emanate from the sun can be detrimental to the condition of tires.

Consider the environment for your tire storage

Any location where you keep your tires should be cool and dry. If you can store them in a climate-controlled space or a basement, this will be better than most garages, sheds or attics where there is likely to be a wide range of hot and cold temperatures, plus potential humidity. Warmth and moisture could result in potential mold or other deformation.

Avoid certain items

In addition to environmental conditions, you should consider what else is located in the area where you will be storing your tires. Try to keep them away from items like furnaces, switches, sump pumps and electric motors, all of which produce ozone that could be harmful to the tires.

Avoid letting the vehicle sit on tires

You should always try to avoid letting a vehicle sit on its tires for an extended time. This will be harmful to the tires, much more so than regular usage of the vehicle. Over time tires in this situation will start to form flat spots that can be difficult to get out, and may necessitate tire replacement earlier than necessary. There are various products available to help avoid flats, but removing the tires is a sure-fire way to avoid flat spots.

Follow these tips and you will find it much easier to keep your tires in good condition and maximize their lifespan.