If you’ve used winter tires before, then you know that they can’t be driven year-round. When the weather starts to get warm (usually when it reaches an average of 7 degrees Celsius or above), it’s time to remove the winter tires and install your summer or all-season tires.
This leaves many wondering how they’re supposed to store their winter tires until the following winter. Winter tire storage is extremely important if you want your tires to live the longest life possible. Below, we’ve put together a how-to guide when it comes to storing your precious winter tires.
The first step in storing your winter tires, after they’ve been removed from your vehicle, is to clean them. Before putting them away for the summer, all dirt, grime, and buildup should be removed. Do this by grabbing some detergent, water, and a sponge or brush. Once you’ve given them a good clean, hose them down, and let them dry completely.
The second step is to bag them up. Each tire should have its own bag, so resist the temptation to put two or more tires together. Ensure both the bag and the tire are completely dry and moisture-free, place the tire inside the airtight bag, and then remove as much air as possible (we recommend using a vacuum cleaner for this step). The less air that’s in the bag, the less oil that will be evaporated from the tire’s rubber compound. Finally, tape each bag shut.
The next step is to find the perfect location for your winter tires. Ideally, look for somewhere that is neither too cold nor too warm (which likely means not the garage), as well as somewhere that is dark and doesn’t get much sun. Anywhere that experiences temperature fluctuations is also a no. Look for somewhere moderately ventilated and dry, like your basement.
The final step for winter tire storage? The placement of the tires. Once you’ve found the perfect location, it’s time to consider whether you want to stack the tires, stand them upright, or hang them up. Any of these options work well, however, if you choose to stack them, try not to stack them too high to avoid any tipping or damage to the tires. It’s also worth noting that if your tires are mounted on rims, then stacking is the preferred storage method.
There are a few key mistakes to avoid when storing winter tires. The first is sunlight. Powerful UV rays, not to mention the heat of the sun, will wreak havoc on your tires’ rubber compound. For maximum longevity, keep your tires out of direct sunlight. You’ll also want to avoid any type of chemical exposure to the tires, specifically exposure to ozone. Lots of electric motors generate ozone, so that means you don’t want to store your tires anywhere near generators, furnaces, compressors, central vacuum cleaners, or switches. Also, make sure your tires aren’t stored anywhere where they could accidentally come into contact with gasoline, lubricants, or solvents.
Interested in a new set of winter tires? Choose Tire Warehouse for all your tire needs. We have been in business for over 40 years, and during this time have helped countless Canadians find the perfect winter tires for their vehicles. We carry winter tires from all the leading tire brands, including Michelin, Bridgestone, BFGoodrich, Radar, Firestone, and Toyo. Plus, we have winter tires to suit all makes and models of vehicles, from compact cars to pick-up trucks. Even more, we make shopping for tires online easier than ever before. You can shop for, order, and have your tires delivered to your home all from the comfort of your couch. Tire Warehouse offers quick delivery times of 2 to 4 business days, low shipping fees of just $5 per tire, and a mobile installation service where a trusted mechanic will install and balance your newly-delivered tires right there on the spot. Contact us today to speak to a tire expert and learn more about our winter tire offerings. Read more about Winter and All-season tires .
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