Summer tires should be cleaned, completely dried and stored in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and chemicals. Tires mounted on rims can generally be stacked horizontally, while unmounted tires should normally be stored upright.
Learning how to store summer tires properly can help protect the rubber, reduce unnecessary damage and make your next seasonal tire change easier.
Why Proper Tire Storage Matters
When drivers switch to winter tires in October or November, their summer or all-season set may remain in storage for several months. During that time, the tires are still exposed to environmental conditions. Heat, sunlight, ozone and certain chemicals can contribute to the deterioration of tire materials.
Moisture can also create problems, particularly when tires remain mounted on wheels that are vulnerable to corrosion. Improper placement may increase the risk of unwanted distortion during extended storage. The objective is to keep the tires clean, dry, protected and positioned correctly.
A suitable storage location does not need to be elaborate. A clean indoor area with reasonably stable conditions is generally preferable to an outdoor space exposed to the weather.
Clean and Inspect Tires Before Storing Them
Cleaning should be done before the tires are placed in bags or moved into their storage area. Road grime, brake dust and other deposits can remain on the rubber and wheels after months of driving. Use mild soap and water to remove accumulated dirt. Avoid harsh solvents or petroleum-based cleaning products that are not approved for tire use.
If your tires are mounted on alloy wheels, clean the wheel surfaces as well. Once washed, allow the tires and wheels to dry thoroughly. Sealing wet tires in storage bags can trap moisture, which is particularly undesirable around metal wheel components. Cleaning also provides a useful opportunity to inspect the tires.
Look for cuts, punctures, uneven wear, sidewall damage or other conditions that may require attention. It is better to identify a damaged summer tire in October than to discover the problem when the tires are needed again in spring.
How to Store Summer Tires With Rims
Mounted tires are tires that remain installed on their wheels. When storing a complete wheel-and-tire assembly, Michelin recommends horizontal stacking. The assemblies should be placed on a clean, stable surface in a suitable indoor storage area.
Avoid placing the stack near heaters, chemicals or equipment that produces excessive heat. The manufacturer’s guidance should be followed regarding inflation pressure during storage. A wall-mounted tire rack designed for complete wheel assemblies may also be an option where it is compatible with the wheels and installed correctly.
Make sure the equipment can safely support the weight. Don’t assume that a storage method appropriate for mounted tires is also suitable for unmounted tires. The wheel provides support that changes how the tire should be positioned.
How to Store Summer Tires Without Rims
Unmounted tires should generally be stored upright, standing on their tread. Michelin recommends positioning unmounted tires upright, side by side. This helps avoid leaving the unsupported tire beads under prolonged pressure from a horizontal stack.
Choose a clean, level surface. A suitable tire rack can help keep the set organized and off surfaces where moisture or chemicals may accumulate. If the tires remain upright for an extended period, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations concerning positioning and rotation during storage. Avoid hanging unmounted tires from hooks that support the tire through a small section of the bead.
The main difference to remember is simple:
- Tires mounted on rims: Generally stack horizontally.
- Tires without rims: Generally store upright.
These are standard storage recommendations, but the tire manufacturer’s specific instructions should take priority.
Can You Store Summer Tires in an Unheated Garage?
An unheated garage can be an acceptable storage location if the tires remain clean, dry and protected from damaging environmental conditions. Temperature alone is not the only consideration. Look at where the tires will be placed and what they will be exposed to.
A garage that allows sunlight to shine directly onto the tires for several hours a day is less suitable than a shaded storage area. Likewise, tires should not be stored directly beside heaters, electric motors, solvents, fuels or other sources of contamination. If moisture regularly accumulates on the garage floor, use a suitable rack or protected storage platform.
Keep the tires away from standing water. Avoid storing them near equipment that produces ozone, which can contribute to rubber deterioration. If your garage experiences water intrusion or substantial moisture problems, consider another location.
The most important qualities are protection, dryness and stable storage conditions.
Why Outdoor Tire Storage Is Not Recommended
Leaving summer tires outside throughout an Ontario winter exposes them to changing temperatures, moisture and sunlight. Even when tires are covered, prolonged outdoor storage can create conditions that accelerate deterioration. A cover may keep rain or snow off the tire surfaces, but it does not necessarily prevent condensation or temperature changes.
Outdoor storage may also expose the tires to contamination or physical damage. Manufacturers generally recommend indoor storage for seasonal tires. If you don’t have a suitable garage, basement or storage room, professional storage may be worth considering.
It can also eliminate the need to transport a complete tire set between home and the repair shop twice each year.
Should You Put Summer Tires in Storage Bags?
Tire storage bags can help protect tires from dust, light and contamination when they are used correctly. The tires should be cleaned and thoroughly dried first. Follow the tire manufacturer’s recommendations for protective bags or covers.
Avoid trapping moisture inside the bag. The bag itself is not a substitute for an appropriate storage environment. Tires should still be kept away from excessive heat, direct sunlight, ozone-producing equipment and chemicals.
If you’re unsure about the best method for your particular tire set, ask your tire service provider for storage recommendations.
Record the Tire Positions Before Removing Them
Before storing your summer tires, identify their previous positions on the vehicle. For example, the technician may record whether each tire was installed on the left front, right front, left rear or right rear. This information can help with rotation planning during the next changeover.
Not every tire can be moved freely between wheel positions. Directional tires must rotate in the intended direction, while staggered fitments may use different front and rear tire sizes. For these reasons, tire rotation should follow the vehicle and tire manufacturer’s requirements.
Proper labelling also makes it easier to identify a tire that previously showed unusual wear.
When arranging seasonal tire services in Mississauga, ask whether your tires need rotation or further inspection before storage.
Check Your Summer Tires Before Spring Installation
Tires should be inspected again before being placed back on the vehicle.
Storage does not eliminate the need to confirm their condition.
Check for:
- Cracks, cuts and sidewall damage
- Uneven or excessive tread wear
- Punctures or embedded objects
- Signs of deformation
- Corrosion or damage to mounted wheels
- Correct tire size and suitability
Once the tires are installed, inflation pressure must be adjusted to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
Wheel fasteners should also be tightened correctly using the appropriate procedure. Any unusual vibration or pulling after installation should be investigated. If a tire was already nearing the end of its useful life before storage, consider replacing it before the spring driving season.
Bloor West Auto can help drivers explore replacement tire options when a current set is no longer suitable.
Is Professional Tire Storage Worth Considering?
Professional tire storage can be convenient for drivers without adequate space at home. A complete set of tires and wheels takes up considerable room, particularly when the vehicle uses larger SUV or performance tires. Using a storage service may also reduce the inconvenience of lifting and transporting tires during each seasonal change.
Before choosing a provider, ask about storage conditions, labelling, retrieval procedures and applicable fees. If inspections are included, confirm what the inspection covers. The objective is to keep the off-season set protected and ready for the next scheduled changeover.
Prepare Now for an Easier Spring Tire Change
The fall changeover is the ideal time to consider what will happen to your summer tires over the winter. Clean them, inspect their condition, label their previous positions and arrange suitable storage before they are put away. For additional seasonal planning, Bloor West Auto’s guide to spring tire change timing explains when drivers should consider returning to their summer or all-season tires.
Bloor West Auto provides tire services for drivers in Mississauga and surrounding communities. If you’re booking a winter tire installation, ask the shop about available storage arrangements and the condition of the tires being removed. A few practical precautions now can make the next seasonal changeover more straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can summer tires be stored in an unheated garage?
An unheated garage can be suitable if the tires are protected from direct sunlight, moisture, chemicals and excessive heat. The location should remain clean and dry throughout the storage period.
Should tires be stacked or stored upright?
Tires mounted on rims can generally be stacked horizontally, while unmounted tires should normally be stored upright. Follow the tire manufacturer’s instructions because the appropriate arrangement depends on whether the tires remain attached to wheels.
Do I need to clean tires before storing them?
Yes, cleaning removes road grime and brake dust that would otherwise remain on the tires during storage. Allow the tires and wheels to dry fully before covering or bagging them.
Can I leave summer tires outside under a tarp?
Outdoor storage is generally not recommended because tires can still be exposed to moisture, sunlight and fluctuating temperatures. An appropriate indoor location offers better protection.
Will storing tires properly stop them from ageing?
Proper storage can reduce unnecessary environmental deterioration, but it cannot stop the natural ageing process. Tire age, condition and tread depth should still be checked before the next installation.
