How to Store Your Seasonal Tires (Winter, Snow & Summer)

Do you live in an area with extreme weather conditions? Of course, that means it's brutally hot in the summer and wicked cold in the winter, with a little bit of who knows what's around the bend in between.

If so, you probably want to have winter tires for winter, and summer tires for, you know, summer. That raises the question, how do you properly store tires that aren't being used? You might even wonder why storage is important.

One reason to stow tires away is the potential dry rot that can be caused by weather. Leaving them unused outside for long periods can cause their surfaces to dry and crack. Click here for our report on what causes dry rotting tires and if they're safe. Storing tires correctly also ensures their appearance and performance are maintained.

In this post, we'll give you some pro tips on storing tires the right way, so you can get the most bang for your buck. Let's answer a few questions that you may have.

How Long Do Tires Last in Storage?

Steps to Take Before Putting Tires in Storage

First, note where your tires are on your vehicle before removing them. When it's time to mount them again, you'll be able to properly rotate them, so they wear evenly.

Before putting your tires away, inspect them for damage and uneven tread wear. There's no need to stow away damaged tires that need to be replaced. If they are acceptable for continued use, proceed. Next, to prevent corrosion, wash your wheels and tires with water and thoroughly dry them.

Finally, remove rocks and debris wedged in the tire grooves. Now they're ready for storage.

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How to Store Tires When Not in Use

Are you looking to store snow, winter or all-season tires? Honestly, it doesn't matter. You're going to store all tires in the same fashion. Begin with the steps we provided in the section above, then do the following.

Best place to store tires

The first thing you need to do is find an excellent location to store your tires. You want to keep them out of the sun. That's because the heat generated by direct sunlight can cause tires to deteriorate. You'll want to keep them in a cool, dry environment.

Storage options

Now that you know where you're storing them, let's find the perfect container. Your best bet is to use an airtight plastic bag for each tire. This will prevent oxygen from getting to the tires and help slow the oxidation process, which can cause deterioration.  

If you're a DIY person looking for an affordable option, use yard or leaf bags and remove as much air as possible. You can use a vacuum cleaner for this. Then tape the bag shut without letting air back in.

Best position to store tires (vertically or horizontally?)

The answer to this question depends on whether you're storing tires with or without rims. Vertical tire storage refers to storing tires upright, in the same position they'd be on a vehicle; horizontal tire storage refers to laying them on their sides.

Storing tires with rims

Tires mounted to rims should be stacked on their sides or hung on tire hooks for storage. Never keep them upright in storage. When stacking tires, keep them off the ground on a shelf or pallet. You should also rotate them each month to prevent deformities.

Storing tires without rims

Do not stack or hang tires that are not mounted on rims. Store them upright. Never use tire hooks to hang unmounted tires. The tires may sag as a result of the hooks.

How Long Can You Store Tires in a Garage?

Tires can last up to 10 years if stored properly, including in an airtight plastic bag, at a cool temperature, and out of direct sunlight. 

It's OK to hang tires in your garage if they're mounted on the rims; otherwise, they should lay flat (stacking is OK), as long as you rotate them throughout their storage season. Yes, even in storage, tires should be rotated to avoid becoming misshaped.

As we said earlier, manufacturers suggest replacing tires six years after production, but ask a tire professional to check them out if you're unsure.

Should You Store Tires Inflated or Deflated?

Generally speaking, storing tires that are still inflated is acceptable. For long-term storage, you don't need to deflate them entirely.

What About Storing a Vehicle With Tires and Wheels On?

Make sure your tires are fully inflated before putting your vehicle in storage, whether you are using a professional car storage company or putting it in a garage. Some people suggest removing the tires and wheels and storing the vehicle on a jack, to prevent flat spots from forming. Others recommend driving the vehicle at least once a month to warm up the engine and tires. You can also find foam storage boards, which some people recommend putting under tires to prevent flat spots. The jury is out on whether those work (read user reviews). Flat spots aren't the end of the world; once the car is driven and the tires heat up on the road, the flat spots will soften and reform into shape.  

Summary FAQs About Tire Storage

Do tires go bad in storage? Tires will last six to 10 years in storage if they are protected. Don't expose them to sunlight or extreme weather. 

Do tires go bad with age? Yes. Whether they're driven or sitting on a shelf, tires last about six to 10 years before the rubber compounds begin to break down.

How long can tires sit unused? Six to 10 years. Learn how to read tire codes to find out where and when your tires were made.

Store tires on or off the wheels? It doesn't matter. If you store them on the wheels, you can hang them or stack them on their sides. If you don't store them on the wheels, they should be stacked, laying flat.

Is it OK to hang tires in a garage? Only if they're mounted on the rims.