Tires can be expensive to replace and may seem difficult to store. But properly maintaining and storing your tires will make them last longer and can slow down the aging process. Wanna learn how to store tires properly? Keep reading to learn all about storing mounted and unmounted tires.
How to Store Tires
Now before we dive into all of these tips, it’s our duty to let you know the easiest way to store and take care of your tires is to use a tire subscription service like the Treads App. Our app allows you to easily schedule a time for our team to come and install, rotate, or repair your tires. But if you’re just not ready to make that change yet or you’re just dying to get your hands dirty, keep reading, we’ve still got you covered:
Cleaning Your Tires
Before you think about storing them, you’ll want to make sure they are cleaned properly. Tires can get dirty in any season, so make sure you remove any contaminants such as dirt, brake dust, and more before you store them.
To clean your tires, you can use warm water and soap to scrub and wash the tires. Rinse with clean water, and make sure your tires are completely dried before you store them.
Check the Air Pressure
Another step you need to take before you store your tires for the season is to check the air pressure. You want to make sure the tires are at the recommended air pressure level before storing them.
Store in a Controlled Environment
Another important thing to consider is where you will be storing your tires for the season. The most important aspect of tire storage is to make sure they are stored in a controlled environment.
If possible, it is best to store your tires indoors. This will protect them from natural elements, like rain, snow, and most importantly, the sun. In fact, when tires are exposed to direct sunlight, the heat can make tires age even faster.
How to Store Mounted Tires
Mounted tiers are those that are stored while they are still on their rims or wheels. The best way to store tires that are still mounted is to store them on hooks to the rim or on a tire rack. This will make sure there is no weight on the tire while it is being stored.
Tire racks can be mounted to walls and will keep the tires stored efficiently and there are many other benefits of tire racks. It is important to note that you should only hang tires on a hook if it is attached to the rim. Otherwise, you may cause deformation of your tire.
Another way to store mounted tires is stacked vertically. If the sidewall of your tire is face down, it will ensure that the rim isn’t affecting the tread of the tire.
How to Store Unmounted Tires
Unmounted tires are those that are stored separately from their rims. It is best to store these in a vertical stack with the sidewalls together. If you use this method of storage, it is best to stack them on top of wood or another barrier, rather than directly on the concrete.
You can also store tires individually in bags to protect them from unwanted moisture and exposure to other elements. Make sure the bags you use are airtight and will protect your tires from other elements.
It is best not to hang unmounted tire racks. This will help prevent distortion and other types of damage to your tire.
Tire Storage Tips
One important tire storage tip is to keep your tires away from ozone and the machinery that generates it. These include any electric motors or furnaces. It is also important to remove your tires from your car if you are storing a vehicle. This will prevent your tires from wearing out. If you don’t want to remove your tires, make sure you occasionally take your vehicle for a short drive to relieve the stress of your tires.
FAQs
Should You Keep Tires on the Rims?
It doesn’t matter if you store your tires mounted on the rims or if you choose to store them unmounted. However, depending on which option you choose, how you store them might change.
Are Tires Safe in Your Home?’
Storing tires inside your home is a great option for tire storage as you can keep things at the same, controlled temperature year round. It also will prevent your tires from being exposed to natural elements and other contaminants.
The one thing you want to be aware of is that you do not store tires near equipment that can produce ozone. Ozone can damage your tires. This equipment includes water tanks, furnaces, and more. Also make sure to secure them properly and make sure not to place them somewhere little kids might be tempted to play with them.
Are There any Temperature Considerations?
There are many temperature considerations when you are storing your seasonal tires like where to store winter tires and storing summer tires in cold areas. But no matter the weather, you will likely store your tires in the same place. You want to keep them out of the open air and out of the sunlight. Tires are best stored in a cool, dry, and ventilated area.
Most Efficient and Space-Saving Way to Store Tires?
Using a garage or wall mounted tire rack is a great way to save space while you are storing your tires. These racks are generally only used for commercial use because they can store so many tires.
What Prep Is Required to Remove and Store Tires?
It’s important to thoroughly clean and dry tires before you store them. It is also important to remove tire dressing which is used to make tires look glossy and dark and are made from a chemical formula. Removing these will make sure you have no contaminants on your tire before you store them. It’s especially important to clean your tires and dry them properly if you want to store them inside the house, the last thing you want to do is stain any furniture or carpet.
