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Storing my tires

Before storing seasonal tires, note their position on the vehicle so you can rotate correctly next season. Clean with water and dry thoroughly to prevent corrosion. Store indoors in a cool, dark location away from sunlight, heat sources, and ozone generators such as electric motors. If tires are mounted on rims, stack them horizontally. If unmounted, store them upright side by side. If a vehicle will be parked for an extended period, jack it up or remove the tires to prevent the weight of the vehicle from damaging the tires permanently.
    • 17/03/2025 -  Updated on 30/07/2026

What are the basics?

  • If you switch between sets of tires, proper storage ensures that your tires’ appearance and performance are maintained.

  • Tires should always be stored in a cool, dry, clean, indoor environment.

If tires sit outdoors, unused for long periods of time (a month or more), their surfaces will become dry and surface cracks can appear.

Before storing your tires:

  • Before removing your tires, note their position on your car. This will allow you to properly rotate your tires next time you mount them to ensure that they wear evenly.

  • Inspect each one for damage or uneven wear.

  • Clean your wheels and tires with water and dry them well to limit any corrosion.

  • Remove any stones or debris that have been trapped in the tire grooves.

Storing your tires:

  • Store your tires indoors in a clean, cool and dark location away from direct sunlight, sources of heat and ozone such as hot pipes or electric generators.

  • If you are storing outdoors (recommended for a short time only), raise tires off the ground and use waterproof covering with holes to prevent moisture build-up.

  • Be sure the surfaces on which tires are stored are clean and free from grease, gasoline, solvents, oils or other substances that could deteriorate the rubber.

  • For aesthetic reasons, if your tires have whitewall or raised white lettering, store them with the whitewall or raised white lettering facing each other. Otherwise, black rubber could stain them.

  • If tires are on a vehicle parked for a long period, the weight of the vehicle needs to be taken off the tires by jacking it up or removing the tires. Failure to do this may cause irreversible damage.

  • How to store tires with rims

    If you need to store tires that are mounted on rims, hang them up or stack them. Do not store them standing upright.

  • How to store tires without rims

    If the tires are not fitted on rims, do not stack or hang them. Store them standing up.

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FAQ

Read our Frequently Asked Questions.

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  • Clean tires before storing: Wash with water (no harsh chemicals), remove any stones from grooves, and dry thoroughly.

  • Store in a cool, dark, dry location: Avoid garages exposed to temperature extremes, direct sunlight, or sources of ozone (electric motors, generators).

  • Store tires on rims: Hang them or stack them horizontally. Do not store them standing upright on the rim.

  • Store tires without rims: Stand them upright. Do not stack or hang them without a rim.

  • Keep them off concrete: Bare concrete can draw moisture. Use a pallet or storage bag.

Under ideal conditions (cool, dark, dry, away from ozone sources), tires can be stored for several years without meaningful degradation. However, rubber does age—even in storage—due to oxidation. Tires stored in poor conditions (outdoor, in sunlight, near heat sources) can crack and degrade in as little as one season. Regardless of storage conditions, check stored tires for cracking, stiffness, and sidewall integrity before remounting. Tires older than 6 years should be professionally inspected before use, and those over 10 years should be replaced.

Short-term outdoor storage (a few weeks) is acceptable if tires are elevated off the ground and covered with an opaque, waterproof cover that has ventilation holes (to prevent moisture buildup). Long-term outdoor storage will damage tires: UV exposure degrades rubber, and ozone in the outdoor air accelerates cracking. Indoor storage in a stable environment is strongly preferred for anything beyond a month or two.

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