How to Store Winter Tires the Right Way

Clean Tires Thoroughly Before Storage

Before storing winter tires, remove all dirt, road salt, and brake dust. Road salt residue is especially damaging because it accelerates rubber drying and can contribute to surface cracking over time.

Tire Rack notes that contaminants left on tires during storage can degrade rubber compounds and reduce long-term performance, even if the tread depth looks fine. Washing and fully drying tires before storage helps preserve flexibility and traction.

Allow tires to dry completely before placing them in bags or stacking them. Trapped moisture is a common cause of surface deterioration during storage.

Store Mounted and Unmounted Tires Correctly

How tires are stored depends on whether they are mounted on rims.

• Mounted tires (on rims): Store stacked horizontally or hang on a wall rack.
• Unmounted tires: Store upright and rotate occasionally to avoid pressure points.

Avoid hanging unmounted tires, as this can cause sidewall distortion over time. Improper positioning is one of the most common causes of tire deformation during long storage periods.

Control Temperature, Light, and Air Exposure

Environmental conditions matter more than most people realize. Tires should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark space away from direct sunlight, ozone sources, and temperature extremes.

According to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, prolonged exposure to heat, UV light, and ozone accelerates rubber aging, even when tires are not in use. This degradation reduces elasticity and can lead to premature cracking.

This is especially important in garages or sheds where temperatures fluctuate dramatically throughout the year.

Using Farmington storage units keeps winter tires out of uncontrolled environments where heat and sunlight can quietly shorten their usable life.

Use Tire Bags or Protective Covers

Storing tires in tire bags or thick plastic bags helps limit oxygen exposure, which slows rubber oxidation. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it.

Label each bag clearly so you know which tires go on which axle when reinstalling them. This helps maintain even wear patterns year to year.

If space is limited, guidance from Making the Most of Small Units can help you store tires efficiently without stacking them in ways that cause damage.

Keep Tires Off Concrete Floors

Concrete floors can draw moisture and temperature from tires over time, especially in non-climate-controlled environments. This exposure can contribute to rubber hardening and surface cracking.

Place tires on pallets, shelving, or thick cardboard to create a barrier between the tires and the floor. This is particularly important in Missouri, where seasonal humidity and temperature swings are common.

Local guidance from winter storage tips in Farmington, MO explains how regional weather conditions affect stored items throughout the colder months.

Inspect Tires Before Reinstalling

Before mounting winter tires again, inspect them carefully. Look for visible cracks, flat spotting, or uneven wear. Even well-stored tires should be checked to ensure safe performance.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration emphasizes that aged or damaged tires can lose traction and handling ability, increasing the risk of accidents in winter driving conditions. Learn more from NHTSA.