If you regularly use more than one set of tires (for example, winter tires vs. all-season tires) you may not have given much thought to how or where you store tires you’re not currently using. Learning these tips will help your tires out in the long run! So if you’ve been storing tires outside, hauling them around in the trunk of your car, or just tossing them in the garage, check out these ten easy tips that’ll help your tires last longer. If you're in need of winter tires visit us at Hooper’s Tire Outlet in Rochester, NY and let us provide you quality cheap tires today!
Keeping Them Clean
It is important to make sure your tires are clean when you go to store them. You might not realize it, but when your tires are in use, they collect a lot of what we like to call road gunk during normal use. Brake dust, dirt, road grime, it never ends which is why it is a good idea to clean your tires before storing them. You can use a tire brush, soap and water to clean them before storing them so they are ready for your immediate use when it comes time for regular tire season once again. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them away and do not use any dressings or gloss when you are getting ready to store them.
Keep The Air Out!
When storing your tires, it is best for them to be sealed in airtight plastic bags, like the ones you use for your lawn or gardening. You must make sure that your tires are completely dried, but once they are, try to get as much air out of the bags as you can. This will ensure that the lubricating oil within the tire’s compound will stay preserved throughout the duration of their storage.
Upright, Stack Or Both?
If you can remember the airtight part, it should be just as easy to remember upright. It is recommended that you store your tires in an upright position. At Hooper’s, we know quality cheap tires in Rochester, NY so we always suggest storing tires upright because it puts much less pressure on your tires. Stacking the tires is a common way to store tires, which is perfectly fine and will not damage your tires.
The Cooler The Better
It is never good for your tires to be in the sun for too long. Since tires are black, they absorb much of the heat from the sun and yes, this can happen even when it’s cold out. It is best to store your tires in a cool, dry place. Somewhere like your basement or climate-control garage so you can prevent the tires from absorbing the heat and the sun's ultraviolet rays which breaks down rubber.