How To Properly Store Your Wheels And Tires

Today there are more and more drivers who have two or more sets of wheels and tires. Whether it’s a set of high performance summer tires, winter tires or any other type of tires, properly storing them when they are not in use is a big key in keeping them in great condition. Here are some quick tips to help.

Clean each tire thoroughly before storing. Use a brush with a tire cleaner, or even soap and water, to remove all the dirt, brake dust and other grime that has built up. Do the same to your wheels if the tires are still mounted on the wheels. Be sure the tires/wheels are completely dry before storing, and never use any type of tire dressing on them.

Keep tires out of the sunlight to prevent ultraviolet rays and the sun’s heat from attacking the rubber and causing premature damage. The sun is the worst enemy on your tires.

Store tires in a climate controlled environment if at all possible. Places like a dry basement or attached garage make great places to keep your tires stored.

Cover each tire in an airtight bag like a large trash bag to keep moisture away. You’ll also want to remove as much of the air from the bag as possible. Close the bag and use duct tape to seal it completely.

Finally, if you are in a hurry and simply want to stack your tires end to end in the garage, be sure to stack them with the white letters or white sidewalls against each other. If you stack a white lettered tire against a black sidewall it can stain the white letters permanently.

These little tips should help you get more life out of your tires and keep them looking like new for years to come.