Tire Storage: Practical Tips for Storing Your Winter and Summer Tires

Why does proper tire storage extend their lifespan and enhance your safety?

Several factors can affect the lifespan of your tires: room temperature, ambient humidity and even how the tires are positioned during storage, for example. Improper tire storage can cause the rubber to wear out faster, lead to deformation and even reduce traction on the road when they’re put back on.

iA Auto and Home Insurance would like to share a few tips on how to store your tires properly. So, to ensure safe driving and protect your investment– a set of tires doesn’t come cheap–, keep reading!

How to prepare your tires before storage: cleaning, drying and marking

Cleaning and drying your tires before storage

Cleaning your tires is a key step that is sometimes overlooked. However, the de-icing salts used on Quebec roads during the winter (and dust!) stick to the rubber of the tires and the alloy rims. It’s best to remove these residues before storage. Use warm water and mild soap to give them a thorough surface cleaning. They must then be completely dry before proceeding to the next step. 

Markings for safe tire rotation

What are tire markings? They are identifiers that indicate the tire’s position on the vehicle. Marking the sidewalls with the following abbreviations helps ensure proper tire rotation and, consequently, more even wear.

• FL: Front left
• FR: Front right
• RL: Rear left
• RR: Rear right 

Generally speaking, your mechanic is responsible for determining the optimal tire rotation pattern to ensure even wear. Your trusted mechanic should therefore always mark the tires when they are removed to ensure safe rotation when they are reinstalled.

If you take your tires home to store them yourself, make sure they are clearly marked before leaving the shop. If you change your tires yourself at home, marking them is your responsibility. Be sure to indicate the position (using white chalk on the inner sidewall) to follow the rotation pattern for the next season.

Where to store your tires: key factors to consider

Temperature, humidity and light: the right conditions for storing tires

Storage conditions play a key role in how long your tires last. Temperature, humidity and exposure to light can accelerate rubber aging and affect tire performance when they’re put back on the vehicle. 

Practical tips for optimal tire storage at home:

Choose a location with an ideal temperature

Store your tires indoors where the temperature remains relatively stable, between 10°C and 25°C. Significant temperature fluctuations can weaken the rubber and reduce its flexibility, which can affect traction on the road.

Avoid storing tires in an overly humid environment

A dry location helps limit corrosion of the rims and material deterioration. An insulated garage, a basement or a room with low humidity are generally good choices. A slightly ventilated space helps reduce the buildup of moisture and excessive heat, two factors that can accelerate tire aging.

Store tires away from direct light

UV rays can dry out rubber and cause cracks over time. It is therefore best to avoid direct exposure to sunlight or intense light sources when storing tires. Instead, choose a dark location.

How to store your tires on or off rims

Storing tires on rims: three simple steps to remember

• Ideally, stack them flat, with one tire lying on top of another.
• You can also hang tires on rims from sturdy hooks or using a wall mount designed for this purpose.
• Avoid storing them upright for too long, as the weight of the rim can create uneven pressure.

Storing tires off rims: three simple steps to remember

• Store them upright on a flat surface.
• It is recommended that you rotate tires without rims once a month to prevent localized deformation.
• Avoid stacking them, as their structure is less rigid without rims.

Bags, covers and UV protection: how to protect your tires for several months

A wide range of breathable covers is available at big-box stores to make it easier to store your tires at home.  Some of them come with a handle to make it easier to move the tire, and Velcro straps ensure the bag fits snugly around it. They are primarily designed to provide protection against UV rays, moisture and dust. In general, avoid storing your tires in airtight plastic bags, which trap moisture. 

Tire lifespan: how to read the manufacture date correctly

You can expect tires to last five years if they are stored properly. The maximum lifespan of a tire is estimated at ten years. The manufacture date is indicated on the sidewall with a four-digit DOT (Department of Transportation) code. The first two numbers indicate the week the tire was manufactured and the last two numbers indicate the year.

For example, the DOT code 2422 means the tire was manufactured around mid-June 2022, specifically during the 24th week of that year. These tires should therefore be replaced within 10 years at the latest, by June 2032, regardless of tread wear or low mileage.

Post-storage checks: a common mistake to avoid

Is it time to have the right set of tires installed for the season after a few months in storage? Don’t make the common mistake of neglecting to check your tires after storage… 

A visual inspection of your tires is essential to spot any bulges or potential cracks before installation. It is also recommended to adjust the tire pressure to the level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. 

Tire storage: the benefits of proper organization

Storing your tires properly is a simple way to maintain their performance and help ensure your safety on the road. Tires in good condition provide better traction, which can help reduce the risk of accidents when conditions become more challenging.

By following best storage practices or entrusting this task to your dealership or favourite repair shop, for example, you protect both your vehicle and your peace of mind. This is a preventive approach that helps maintain a good auto insurance record, season after season!

FAQ - optimal tire storage

1. How should I store my tires at home to prevent them from becoming misshapen?

To maintain tire performance and ensure they last as long as possible, it is recommended that you avoid prolonged pressure or exposure to conditions known to damage rubber. Practical tips:

• Clean your tires before storing them to remove salt, gravel and dirt that can accelerate rubber deterioration.
• Dry them thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup and corrosion of the rims.
• Avoid placing heavy loads on the tires, as this could cause permanent deformation.
• Use covers specifically designed for tires to limit exposure to dust and UV rays.
• Store tires in a suitable location in your home, ideally between 10°C and 25°C.

2. Should tires be stored upright or laying flat?

It depends! The recommended position varies depending on whether the tires are mounted on rims or not. If they are mounted, they can be stacked flat, with one on top of the other.  They can also be hung from sturdy hooks or using a wall mount designed for this purpose. Tires without rims, on the other hand, should be stored upright on a flat surface and rotated monthly. Rotate them to prevent deformation.

3. Can I store my tires in a shed or outdoors?

This practice is not recommended, especially in Quebec, where temperature fluctuations are significant. Certain risks, such as repeated freeze-thaw cycles, high humidity, extreme heat or prolonged exposure to UV rays, are known to accelerate tire aging. Ideally, choose a garage, basement or a dry, temperature-controlled indoor space for storing your winter and summer tires.

4. When is it better to have your tires stored at a garage?

Having your tires stored at a dealership or a garage can be a good option if you don’t have enough space at home or don’t have a cool, dry place to store them, for example. Auto repair shops generally offer a controlled environment (temperature, humidity, lighting), and the staff is trained to handle tires according to industry best practices.

Of course, this service comes at a cost, but it offers the advantage of not having to handle heavy, bulky rims and tires!