The weather-related tire change is due in spring and autumn. To ensure that your winter tires survive hibernation and are ready for use again after six months, there are a few important things to consider. In this article, we will share tips on correct winter tire storage.
How to properly store winter tires?
Dispose of damaged tires
Check your winter tires and rims for damage and foreign bodies in the profile before and after storage. Bumps on the flank and deep cracks in the base of the tread, the tire shoulder, or the sidewall can be dangerous. In such a case a new tire is needed.
Prepare tires: clean and label them
Before storing the tires, clean the tires with a mild detergent, water, and a tire brush. This will remove the road grime and brake dust that has accumulated over the past six months. Also, clean the rims when you completely change and store the wheels. Before proceeding to the next step, however, the tires must be completely dry.
In addition, the position of the wheel on the vehicle should be marked: for front right, for rear right, etc.
Tires do not need to be wrapped or sprayed with a tire gloss product before storing. The tire compound is designed to be resistant to ozone cracking and other stress factors. Such products can shorten the life of your tires rather than extend them.
Increase air pressure
Before storing, increase the air pressure by 0.5 bar compared to the manufacturer's specifications. This is necessary because the tires always lose some air during storage. If the air pressure is increased slightly, it is ensured that the tires retain their shape and do not dent.
Store complete wheels horizontally, but winter tires without rims vertically
Complete tires should be stored lying on top of each other with increased air pressure. Alternatively, there are "rim trees" or wall brackets. Tires without a rim should be stored in an upright position and turned around a quarter once a month. This ensures that no deformation occurs.
Where are tires best stored?
The ideal storage location at home is a cool, dark, dry place. Make sure that constant moisture, solvents, or oils should not affect the tires. In addition, the tires must be protected from direct sunlight and ozone. If you can't find a suitable place for your winter tires at home, you can, for example, have them stored in car repair shops for a fee.
How to store your winter tires on a rim tree
The best way to store the winter tires is to hang them on what is known as a rim tree. A rim tree consists of a chassis on which there is a tube with brackets for the wheels. The winter tires are simply attached to these brackets.
The big advantage is that all four wheels can be transported relatively easily with the help of the rim tree.
The tires can also be hung on the wall with special hooks. This is of course also a good thing, as none of the tires are stressed when they are stored in this way.
Reviewed by Alex Ross
Content Editor, responsible for maintaining the quality and accuracy of the information presented on our blog.
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