Storing Your Winter Tires: Top Tips
If you want your winter tires to last and perform well, storing them properly is key. Let’s keep it simple but effective:
Inflate and Check Pressure
Before you tuck your tires away, pump them up to what your car’s manual says. This keeps those pesky flat spots at bay. Nobody wants a lumpy ride when it’s time to switch back.
| Tire Condition | Ideal Pressure |
|---|---|
| Stored Tires | Car Manual’s Suggestion |
Outdoor Storage Survival Guide
Leaving tires outside? Bad idea unless you take precautions. The sun, rain, and temperature swings can mess them up. Keep them covered, shielded from sun and wetness. And don’t let them lay directly on the ground—they soak up stuff you don’t want in there.
| Outdoor Tip | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Cover Up | Use a strong cover to shield them |
| Get Off the Ground | Elevate with bricks, wood, or a stand |
Vertical vs. Horizontal Storage
How you stash your tires can make all the difference:
- With Rims On:
- Hang ’em or stack sideways. Don’t let them stand up—it warps them.
| Storage Style | With Rims | Without Rims |
|---|---|---|
| Stand Up | No | Yes |
| Stack | Yes | No |
| Hang | Yes | No |
Keep your tires cool, dry, and in the dark. Avoid heat, sun and those ozone-pumping machines like furnaces and compressors.
Want more tips? Check out our articles on why winter tire rebalancing is a must and how often you should rotate those snow tires. These will help your tires last season after season.
Keeping Your Winter Tires in Top Shape
Let’s be real, winter tires aren’t cheap. So, you want to get the most bang for your buck by making them last. This guide dives into some smart tips for keeping your rubber in mint condition, from ideal storage temps to regular check-ups.
Temperature and Humidity Hacks
Here’s a no-brainer: extreme temps are a big no-no. Stash your tires in a cool, dry spot. Aim for below 60ºF (15ºC). Let them roast above 77ºF (25ºC) or freeze under 32ºF (0ºC), and they’re toast. Cold garages with concrete floors are tire kryptonite, especially for long-term storage.
| Condition | Ideal Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| Storage Room Temperature | 32ºF to 77ºF (0ºC to 25ºC) |
| Optimal Storage Temperature | < 60ºF (15ºC) |
Light and Ozone – Your Tires’ Arch-Enemies
Sunshine might be great for your tan, but it’s murder on your tires. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from anything that screams UV radiation to avoid brittleness and cracking. And let’s not even start on ozone – it’s like rust for rubber. Fluorescent lamps, high-voltage equipment, and electric motors are rubber rot machines.
Your game plan:
- Bag ’em up – Use opaque, airtight bags.
- Control the climate – Store in a controlled environment.
Regular Check-Ups Matter
A stitch in time saves nine, right? Regularly checking your tires can save you from a world of pain. Look for:
- Rubber cracks.
- Signs of dry rot.
- Any funky wear patterns.
Our winter tire reviews section will give you more insider info on what to look for.
Follow these tips, and you’ll keep your winter tires in prime condition. For more tips and expert advice on winter tire care, dive into our expert recommendations and tire maintenance tips sections.
