How to Store Tires
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If you swap between summer and winter tires, or keep a spare set on hand, how you store them makes a real difference in how long they last. Tires are made of rubber compounds that degrade over time, and poor storage speeds that process through exposure to sunlight, heat, ozone, and moisture. A little care when you put them away pays off in safer, longer-lasting tires when you put them back on the road.
Start by cleaning each tire before storage. Wash off brake dust, road grime, and any embedded debris with soap and water, then let them dry completely. If the tires are still mounted on wheels, you can clean the rims too. Skip the tire dressings and protectants for storage, since many contain compounds that can actually work against the rubber over the long term. A clean, dry tire is all you want going into storage.
Once dry, bag each tire individually. Sealing each tire in an airtight bag, such as a large opaque plastic bag with the air squeezed out, limits the evaporation of the oils in the rubber that keep it supple. Removing as much air as possible before sealing reduces exposure to ozone, which is a leading cause of premature cracking. Individual bags also keep the tires clean and make them easy to handle.
Where you store them matters just as much as how. The ideal spot is cool, dry, and dark, away from direct sunlight and out of temperature extremes. Avoid storing tires near electric motors, furnaces, or other equipment that generates ozone. A climate-controlled basement is often better than an uninsulated garage that bakes in summer and freezes in winter, but a shaded, dry corner of the garage works if that is what you have. Keep them off bare concrete when possible by setting them on a mat or rack.
How you position the tires depends on whether they are mounted on rims. Tires mounted on wheels are best stored either hung from hooks or stacked flat, because standing them upright on rims for long periods can stress them. Unmounted tires without wheels are the opposite: store them standing upright and rotate their position occasionally, since stacking them flat for months can deform the bottom tire under the weight of the stack. Matching the method to the tire prevents flat spots and distortion.
Finally, label your tires so remounting is easy and correct. Mark each one with its position on the vehicle, such as front left or rear right, before you take them off. This lets you rotate them properly when they go back on and helps you track wear over time. Store them thoughtfully, and your off-season set will be ready and safe when the weather turns and it is time to swap them back.