Dealing with a garage that’s not conducive for proper tire storage? You’re not alone. From scorching summers that can cause rubber degradation to chilling winters that invite cracks and compromise, your tires’ longevity is in danger—if not stored in a climate-controlled environment.
Changing weather cycles and improper storage can turn your tires into ticking time bombs, ready to ruin your driving experience.
But guess what? There are smart and simple ways to solve this problem.
Storage units can be your fortress against these impending threats. Here are a few tips and tricks to assist you in maximizing the life of your stored tires.
Proper Tire Cleaning Before Storage
Start your tire storage journey right by giving your tires a thorough cleaning. This eliminates dirt, grime, and brake dust, ensuring they’re in prime condition for your next use. Here’s how to clean your tires:
- Using a tire brush and a mixture of mild dish soap and water, gently scrub the tire’s surface to remove contaminants.
- Rinse the tires thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Steer clear of tire dressings, as they may interfere with the tire compounds and affect their longevity.
By following these steps, you can keep your tires clean and in good condition for storage.
The Ideal Environment for Storing Tires
The best environment for tire storage is indoors, in a cool and dry climate-controlled setting. If you must store tires outdoors, ensure they are off the ground and covered in opaque, waterproof, airtight plastic bags with ventilation openings.
Keeping your tires away from direct sunlight, heat, and storage areas near battery chargers, generators, welding equipment, and electric motors is crucial to maintaining their shape.
To guarantee your tires are stored properly, follow these guidelines:
- Remove as much air as possible from the storage bags.
- Avoid storing them on surfaces that reflect heat, such as sand, or absorb heat, like black asphalt.
- If your tires aren’t regularly used, consider using tire racks for better storage and protection.
Proper Storage Techniques: Stand, Stack, or Hang?
Deciding on the ideal storage technique? You may be wrestling with the question, “Should I stand, stack, or hang my tires?” This is a common dilemma when it comes to maximizing space and maintaining the condition of your tires.
There are several techniques of storage, including:
- Standing: This is generally considered the most suitable storage option, as it provides even weight distribution and prevents deformation.
- Stacking: If space is limited, tires can be stacked on top of each other. However, care should be taken to avoid excessive weight on the bottom tires.
- Hanging: Some tire racks allow tires to be hung vertically, saving space and preventing deformation.
It’s best to avoid hanging unmounted tires, as doing so can distort and damage them. Depending on whether your tires are mounted or unmounted, the optimal storage solution will vary, but always ensure they are stored in a manner that causes the least stress to the rubber.
Mounted vs. Unmounted Tire Storage
Tires can be stored either mounted(with rims) or unmounted(without rims), and the optimal storage practices vary for each type.
It’s recommended to stack mounted tires horizontally or vertically with the sidewall facing downward. If you hang mounted tires, use a tire hook to avoid deforming the rubber over time.
When storing unmounted tires, it’s advisable to:
- Place them on top of a piece of wood or another material—rather than directly on the ground or concrete
- Utilize a commercially available tire rack to ensure proper storage
- Store them properly to prevent staining of white sidewall tires
- Stack tire sidewall to sidewall or store them individually in bags
The most effective storage method for unmounted tires without rims is to position them vertically. This ensures even weight distribution and prevents any deformation that may occur if they were hung or stored improperly.
Use Airtight Bags and Tire Totes
Airtight and tire storage bags offer excellent protection for your tires during storage. Airtight bags, such as lawn and leaf bags or yard bags, provide an effective seal that keeps moisture and contaminants out.
Storing tires in an airtight environment helps maintain oil dispersion in the rubber compounds, preventing premature aging and ensuring the longevity of your tires.
While you could resort to household staples like a leaf bag, purchasing tire storage bags is recommended. Unlike lawn or leaf bags, tire storage bags are designed to facilitate the easy transportation of bulky tires, as well as protect tires from grime and dust during storage.
Tires can be stored either mounted(with rims) or unmounted(without rims), and the optimal storage practices vary for each type.
It’s recommended to stack mounted tires horizontally or vertically with the sidewall facing downward. If you hang mounted tires, use a tire hook to avoid deforming the rubber over time.
When storing unmounted tires, it’s advisable to:
- Place them on top of a piece of wood or another material, rather than directly on the ground or concrete
- Utilize a commercially available tire rack to ensure proper storage
- Store them properly to prevent staining of white sidewall tires
- Stack tire sidewall to sidewall or store them individually in bags
The most effective storage method for unmounted tires without rims is to position them vertically. This ensures even weight distribution and prevents any deformation that may occur if they were hung or stored improperly.
Protect White and Black Rubber
Apply a stain protector spray or a water-repellent treatment to protect white rubber. You can also clean the rubber with a shoe cleaner or toothpaste by using a hard-bristled toothbrush.
For black rubber, use a rubber protectant spray or a water-repellent treatment to keep them pristine. A rubber cleaner or a mild soap and water solution can also clean black rubber and ensure it remains in top shape through the entire storage window.
By taking these extra precautions, you’ll not only maintain the appearance of your tires but also extend their lifespan. That way, your tires will be ready for installation as soon as you retrieve them from storage.
Avoiding Harmful Products and Chemical Exposure
When storing tires, you’ll want to choose a storage space in the direct vicinity of chemicals that can cause harm and accelerate aging. Ozone, for example, is the number one chemical to avoid, which can cause rapid deterioration of tires due to its effect on rubber compounds.
Electric motors with contact brushes emit ozone. These can include:
- Generators
- Switches
- Compressors
- Sump pumps
- Furnace
Keeping your tires away from these ozone sources will prevent unnecessary damage and ensure they are stored in prime conditions.
Adapting to Temperature Fluctuations
Temperature fluctuations during storage can negatively impact the rubber and its longevity. Ideally, the temperature should not exceed 25°C (77°F) nor fall below 0°C (32°F) when storing tires.
Keep your tires away from direct sunlight and in a climate-controlled setting to prevent temperature fluctuations.
How Long Can You Store Tires?
Tires can be stored for 6 or more years if kept in optimal conditions. The longevity of your tires during storage depends on the level of maintenance they receive, the appropriateness of the storage conditions, and the regularity of monthly rotations.
Final Thoughts
Follow this definitive guide to tire storage, and your tires will remain in prime condition, ready to hit the road whenever you need them.
If you’re still on the hunt for affordable climate-controlled storage options, check out Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace.
While the research shows that climatized storage is, on average, $25-$30 more than traditional storage, renting storage through a peer-to-peer marketplace can help you score extra savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should tires be stored flat or upright?
Tires should be stored upright and leaning horizontally next to one another instead of hanging on hooks to avoid sagging.
Is it OK to store tires?
Storing tires is perfectly fine as long as you do it correctly. Proper tire storage involves cleaning them, using airtight bags or tire totes, and considering factors like weight distribution.
What are the ideal conditions for storing tires?
Tires should be stored in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from direct sunlight. The best way to store tires is in airtight and opaque bags in a climate-controlled space away from heat sources.
Find The Ideal Tire Storage Space With Neighbor
Ready to up your tire storage game? Consider Neighbor’s climate-controlled storage units if your garage isn’t the ideal spot. Say goodbye to worries about temperature conditions. We’ll keep your tires in top shape and your space clutter-free.
