Storage of your summer tyres

Swapping your tyres is a seasonal requirement for many around the world, however, to maintain the condition of the tyres, they must be stored away correctly, and this requires some consideration. So to make things easier, read on for our guide on correctly storing your summer tyres this winter.

What to consider before storing your tyres

Before you store your summer tyres for a few months, it is important to prepare them. Look for any problems that may arise during storage. This will help you avoid any issues when you are ready to put them back into your vehicle.

We recommend doing the following before storage:

Ensure your tyres are clean and free of any dust and dirt, also removing any stones from the tread that could cause wear or warping while in storage.

Check your tyres for any punctures, uneven wear, or anything out of the ordinary that could point to a problem with your car or tyres.

Using a wet cloth, run it over the entire tyre to clean off any fluids and dirt.

How to store your tyres

Once your tyres are clean, wrap them separately in bags, removing any air if possible. This will protect them from any environmental risks, in addition to the humidity in the air, which can cause cracking of the rubber. It is best to use an opaque material, such as a bin liner to prevent the rubber from being caught in any unintended direct sunlight.

You now need to consider the storage position. This will differ depending on whether you keep your wheel rims on or not. If the tyres are on rims, they can be safely stacked side by side or on top of each other, using spacers to prevent metal-on-metal contact – you can also do this by hanging them on wall pegs.

For tyres not on rims, avoid storing them stacked on top of each other, or hanging them up as this may cause warping over time. The ideal storage solution, in this case, is to stand the tyres up side by side in a safe area.

Lastly, for tyres with raised white lettering, position the tyres with the white lettering facing each other – this minimises scuffs that may ruin the aesthetics of the tyre.
Where to store your tyres
Be sure to store your tyres in a dry, ventilated area, avoiding any direct sunlight, which may compromise the integrity of the rubber. If you decide to store them in your shed, avoid leaning anything on top of them, and keep them away from any chemicals such as oil, solvents or anything flammable.

Consider the space available

Don’t forget to take into account the space you have available when getting ready for storage. Providing that you have enough space, you may prefer a rack to keep the tyres upright and off the floor. However, for those with limited space, you may also consider specialised tyre bags or wall-mounted hangers.

Use a storage service

Many garages now offer a tyre storage service. The benefit of this is that it is a one-stop shop for getting your tyres removed, swapped, fitted and then stored securely for the winter. This can give drivers the confidence that the tyres will be stored safely.

Consider all-season tyres

All-season tyres are a convenient option for those who want the benefits of seasonal tyres but wish to avoid the inconvenience of swapping them over throughout the year. All-season tyres are designed to provide a balance of both summer and winter tyre performance.

If they are 3PMSF certified, they can also be used in countries which enforce winter tyres as a legal requirement, conforming to EU standards.

Still looking for the perfect tyre this winter? Check out our full range here, or if you still have some questions, reach out to us using our contact form.