Tyres work hard-they take you over hot asphalt, icy roads, and everything in between. But when you’re not using them, whether for a change in season or if your car is parked for a long time, just throwing them in the garage isn’t your best bet. That can shorten the life of your tyres and make them less safe. Good tyre storage means keeping them away from things that can damage rubber-like heat, sunlight, moisture, and chemicals. Storing tyres properly is more than just organizing; it helps them last longer and perform better.
If you store your tyres the right way, they’ll last longer. Proper storage stops them from breaking down early, keeps them strong, and makes sure they work well when you need them again. Think of it as giving your tyres a break so they’re ready when you are.
Why Storing Tyres Correctly Is Important
You might think tyres can handle anything, but their rubber and other materials can get damaged if not stored well. Sunlight, for example, can dry out and crack rubber. Heat and UV light are especially damaging. Storing your tyres the right way protects against these problems, helping the rubber stay flexible and strong.
Problems from Storing Tyres the Wrong Way
- Dry Rot and Cracks: Tyres left in open air can dry out and crack, making them likely to leak air and fail on the road.
- Deformation: Piling up tyres wrong, especially without rims, or keeping a car sitting on its tyres too long can flatten or bend them. This causes bumps and uneven wear later.
- Damage from Chemicals: Storing tyres near oil, fuel, or cleaning chemicals can cause the rubber to break down. Even devices like generators can give off harmful ozone.
What You Gain By Storing Tyres Right
- Longer Life: Protecting tyres from harmful elements means they stay soft and strong, so you get more use out of them.
- Better Performance: When stored properly, tyres keep their grip and braking abilities so they work as intended the next time you use them.
- Cost Savings: Reducing damage means you won’t have to buy new tyres as often.
When Should You Put Tyres Into Storage?
It’s just as important to know when to put tyres into storage as it is to know how. You’ll usually store tyres when you change them out for a different season or when your car will be parked for more than a month. Not storing them at the right time can mean they wear out faster or don’t perform well.
During Seasonal Changes
Switching between winter and summer tyres keeps you safe and helps tyres last. Store tyres that aren’t in use during hot or cold months to stop them from wearing out in the wrong conditions.
| Tyre Type | When to Store | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Above 7°C | Rubber softens, wears down faster in heat |
| Summer | Below 7°C | Tyre gets hard, loses grip |
Long-Term Parking
If your car won’t be used for a month or more (due to travel, deployment, or storage), think about your tyres. The car’s weight can flatten them, so it’s smart to lift the car or take the tyres off for storage.
Things to Do Before Storing Tyres
Take care of these steps before packing your tyres away. Doing this now means fewer problems later:
Label Where Each Tyre Was on the Car
Mark each tyre’s position-front left (FL), rear right (RR), etc.-so you can rotate them for even wear next time you use them. This small step helps tyres last longer.
Clean Your Tyres
Wash off dirt, brake dust, and stones. Use water and mild soap. Dry completely to avoid rust (especially on rims) and stop mould or corrosion.
Skip Tyre Dressings
Don’t put on sprays or shine products before storage; most tyre brands say not to. Clean and dry tyres are best for storing. Use dressing only after they’re mounted back on the car.
Put Tyres in Bags
Use dark, airtight plastic bags (like bin or garden bags). Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly. This slows down the drying out of rubber and blocks light, which helps stop cracks.
Where’s the Best Place to Store Tyres?
Tyres need a space that is cool, dry, and clean. Don’t leave them outdoors or anywhere moist. An ideal spot is indoors, like a basement or a garage that’not too hot or cold and has good airflow. Temperature changes are bad for rubber, so steady conditions are best.
| Location | Is it Good? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basement | Yes | Cool, dark, and dry |
| Garage (not heated) | Yes | If not too humid or warm |
| Outdoor Shed | No | Usually too damp and hot/cold |
| Driveway/Outside | No | Sun and weather damage |
If you don’t have a good spot at home, some tyre shops offer storage services in proper conditions.
Keeping Tyres Away from Sun and Chemicals
- Always keep tyres out of direct sunlight.
- Don’t store near oils, fuels, solvents, or electric motors.
- Avoid heat sources, sparks, or open flames.
- Don’t sit household items or other stuff on top of them.
How to Store Tyres With or Without Rims
The way you put tyres away depends on whether they’re on rims.
| Tyre Type | Best Position | Stack? | Hang? |
|---|---|---|---|
| With rims | Flat (stacked) | Yes, up to 2 high | Yes |
| Without rims | Upright (side by side) | No (unless needed, max 4) | No |
- If tyres have rims, they can stand up, stack, or hang.
- If no rims, keep upright and don’t stack if possible. Never hang unmounted tyres.
Special Tips for Different Tyre Types
- Summer/Winter Tyres: Clean, bag, and store these inside for long periods.
- Motorcycle Tyres: Best stored off the bike (upright). If on the bike, take the weight off tyres using a centre stand or jack. Cover them to block light.
- Whitewall or Specialty Tyres: Store white areas facing each other so they don’t get stained by black rubber.
Tyre Care During Storage
- Check tyres before storing-look for cracks, cuts, bulges, or uneven wear.
- Check again after storage before you use them-look for new cracks or problems.
- If you stored tyres upright and without rims, turn them every few months to stop one spot from getting too dry or flat.
Common Questions About Tyre Storage
How Long Can Tyres Stay Stored?
If you keep them cool, dry, and inside, unused tyres can keep for several years. Some brands say tyres up to 5 years old can still be sold as new (check local rules). No matter what, all tyres should be replaced by 10 years from the manufacture date, even if they look good.
Does Storage Change How Long Tyres Last?
Good storage slows down aging and damage. Bad storage speeds up cracks, wears down the rubber, and means you need new tyres sooner.
Can I Store Tyres Outside?
It’s really not a good idea. Even under a cover, outdoor tyres get hit by sunlight, rain, and temperature swings, which all speed up damage. At most, leave them outside for a few days and put them on pallets or boards-not bare ground. Always aim for indoor storage if you can.
Spending a bit of time storing your tyres the right way pays off by giving you safer, longer-lasting tyres. Tyres are one of your car’s most important safety parts, so taking care of them matters even when they’re not in use. If you don’t have the space or right conditions at home, many tyre dealers will keep them safe for you. Taking these small steps means your tyres will be ready when you are.