Tire Storage Tips: How to Keep Your Tires Happy Until Next Season (And Avoid Trouble)

Ah, it’s that time of year again! In some places, it’s already mandatory to swap your summer tires for winter tires. And let’s face it, while we might all dread the process of switching them out, tire storage doesn’t have to be the worst part of the seasonal tire shuffle. In fact, if you do it right, your tires will be in great shape when you need them again next season—ready to take on rain, snow, ice, and whatever else the weather throws at you.

Let’s talk about the best ways to store your tires during the off-season and keep them in tip-top shape. Don’t worry, no more than a little elbow grease is required. So, here we go—grab your gloves and let’s dive into tire care storage with a pinch of humor (because you can never take tires too seriously, right?).

1. Clean Your Tires Before Storing Them (No One Likes a Dirty Tire!)

First things first: clean your tires before you store them. This isn’t just about being tidy or impressing your neighbors (although, who doesn’t love a good clean tire?). Tires pick up dirt, grime, and road salts over time, and if left on, these can actually cause damage to the rubber.

What you need:

• A stiff-bristle brush or hose.
• Mild soap and water (no harsh chemicals!).
• A rag to wipe them down afterwards.

Wash off any dirt, road salt, and grime. Especially if you live in a place where salt is used on the roads in winter (hello, Midwest or parts of Canada!), leaving that residue on the tire can eventually eat away at the rubber. Give them a nice rinse, dry them off, and you’re ready for the next step.

2. No Need for Tire Dressing – Seriously!

Some folks love that shiny, “new tire” look. But here’s the thing: don’t use tire dressing before you store them. Tire dressing is great for that showroom finish, but it’s not what your tires need for long-term storage. It may look nice now, but it can break down the rubber over time when it’s left to sit. That glossy finish may even attract dust and dirt—talk about a dust magnet!

So, resist the urge to rub down your tires with that “tire shine” you’ve got in your garage. Keep them clean, and leave the gloss for your car’s paint job.

3. Bag Them Up! (And Make Sure They’re Not Breathing)

After cleaning and drying your tires, the next step is to store them properly by bagging them. While specialized tire storage bags or totes are an option, any large airtight bag that can be securely taped shut will work just as well.

Here’s how: Place each tire in a clean, dry bag, making sure no moisture is present. Remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent air circulation, then tape it shut securely.

Why bag your tires? This process reduces the evaporation of essential oils from the rubber compounds. Tires naturally absorb moisture from the air, much like sponges, and this can lead to faster degradation. Removing air from the bag minimizes the risk of condensation, helping to preserve the integrity of your tires for longer.

Best practice:

• Place your tires in a plastic bag or specially designed tire tote.
• Suck the air out with a vacuum cleaner (trust me, your vacuum will be happier with this than your living room carpet!).
• Make sure they’re sealed tightly—any air left inside could cause moisture buildup, which is bad news for your tires.

4. Avoid Direct Sunlight & UV Rays (Tires Are Not Fans of the Sun)

Tires are kind of like that one person you know who burns in the sun after five minutes. UV rays are not their friends. Storing tires in direct sunlight will cause the rubber to deteriorate faster. So, make sure to keep your stored tires away from windows or any place where they’ll get blasted with UV rays all day long.

A dark, cool place is best. A garage or storage shed works great, but just make sure it’s not too humid, either. Tires are picky about their environments—think of them as divas, just like your favorite houseplants (which, by the way, also hate sunlight).

5. Stand Them Up (Standing is So Much Better Than Stacking)

Here’s where things get a little tricky. Standing tires up vertically is the best way to store them. So, how do you store your tires without stacking them? Well, get creative—use a shelf, or just lean them against a wall (in a stable spot, of course). This prevents any unwanted pressure on the tire’s sidewalls and helps maintain their shape over time.

When you store tires mounted on rims (i.e., tires with the wheels on them), it’s okay to stack them, but be careful. Stack them only a few high—don’t go all “Jenga” on them. Too many tires piled up can create uneven pressure, which isn’t great for the rubber. A simple stack of three or four tires is ideal. And make sure to rotate them occasionally if they’re stacked for long periods.

6. Hanging Tires – Yes, But Only If They’re Mounted (No Hanging Unmounted Tires, Please!)

You might have heard that hanging tires is a good way to store them. It’s true for mounted tires (those on the rim or mag wheels), but never hang unmounted tires. Hanging unmounted tires can cause them to distort over time because the weight of the tire is pulling unevenly on the rubber.

Pro Tip: If you do choose to hang mounted tires, use hooks or tire racks specifically designed for this purpose. And avoid hanging them too high—unless you’ve got some Olympic-level flexibility, retrieving them may become a problem.

Summary: The Do’s and Don’ts of Tire Storage

Here’s a quick recap of the best practices for storing your tires:

• Do clean and dry them before storing.
• Do not apply tire dressings or oils.
• Do bag them up to keep moisture away and remove air from the bag.
• Do store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and UV rays.
• Do store them upright if unmounted; mounted tires can be stacked but only a few high.
• Do not hang unmounted tires, as this can distort them.

In the end, storing your tires properly isn’t just about saving money—it’s about prolonging their life and keeping them safe for the next season of driving. So, give your tires the care they deserve, and they’ll be ready to tackle winter roads like champs when the time comes. You might even end up looking forward to the next tire switch… or maybe not. We won’t judge.