The Ultimate Guide to Storing Your Vehicle's Tires
Proper tire storage is crucial for maintaining the life of your tires, ensuring they’re ready when you need them. Like we do here at Otto, you can keep your tires in top condition during their downtime using these tips.
1. Start with a Clean Slate
Before storing your tires, always clean them thoroughly. Use mild soap and water to remove dirt, grime, and road salt. Dry them completely to prevent moisture from causing damage over time. This step is essential to avoid potential rubber degradation.
Common Mistake: Not cleaning your tires before storage allows contaminants to compromise tire integrity. Meaning your tires may not perform as they should.
2. Choose the Right Environment
Select a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Heat and UV rays can cause the rubber to crack and break down, reducing their lifespan. An ideal storage space is a climate-controlled environment, like a basement or garage.
Common Mistake: Storing tires in an area exposed to sunlight or extreme temperatures can lead to premature aging and cracking of the rubber. Leaving them outside all winter can break down your tires, costing you more in the long run.
3. Avoid Chemical Exposure
Keep your tires away from chemicals, solvents, and petroleum products. These substances can damage the rubber, making the tires unsafe for future use.
Common Mistake: Storing tires near hazardous materials may result in chemical reactions that damage the tires. Watch out for common products found around your home that may cause damage to your tire investment.
4. Manage Tire Pressure
Before storing, ensure your tires are at the recommended pressure. This helps maintain their shape and prevents future issues when they're back on the vehicle.
Common Mistake: Overinflating or underinflating tires before storage can cause deformation and affect their structural integrity. No one wants to spend more on new tires before they really need to.
5. Proper Stacking Techniques
If you must stack your tires, do it carefully. Store them vertically on a rack, if possible, to prevent any pressure on the sidewalls. If you stack them horizontally, be sure not to stack too high and rotate the tires periodically to distribute the weight evenly.
Common Mistake: Improper stacking can lead to sidewall deformation and potentially make the tires unusable. Never store anything on top of your tires, even if you are desperate for some extra space in the garage.
6. Rotate Tires During Storage
Every few months, rotate the position of the tires to ensure even wear. This practice will keep them in good shape and ready for when they're needed next.
Common Mistake: Failing to rotate tires can lead to uneven wear, affecting performance and safety once back on the vehicle. Make sure your investment takes you as far as possible.
7. Use Tire Covers or Seal the Storage Area
Protect your tires from dust and moisture by using tire covers or sealing the storage area. This step will help preserve the rubber and keep them in optimal condition.
Common Mistake: Neglecting to cover or seal tires allows moisture and dust to accumulate, leading to tire damage over time. Believe it or not, a little dust and grime can result in a costly early tire replacement.
Storing your vehicle's tires correctly can seem like a lot, but remember, it can have a significant impact on the life of your tires. By avoiding common mistakes and following these best practices, you can ensure your tires remain in excellent condition, ready to hit the road when you are. Remember, a little care during storage goes a long way in protecting your investment and ensuring your safety.
Start implementing these tips today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your tires are well cared for! If this feels like too much, or if you're short on space for tire storage, we can help! Contact one of our Otto representatives to make storing your tires even easier, and let our experts do all the work!
