After each tire change, the question arises: where to put the winter or summer tires until they are needed again? We give tips and information on what you should consider when storing tires and answer the most important questions.
How are tires stored properly?
Discard damaged tires
Check tires and rims for damage and foreign bodies in the tread before and after storage. Dents on the flank and deep cracks in the tread base, the tire shoulder or sidewall can be dangerous. In such a case, a new tire is needed.
Prepare tires: clean and mark
Before storing, the tires should be cleaned and then dried. For safety and driving comfort, it is important that the tires are reassembled in the correct position the next time they are used. For this reason, the wheel position should be marked on the inside of the tire with chalk or a crayon when dismantling, for example: FR for front right, RL for rear right, etc.
Increase air pressure
Increase the air pressure before storage by 0.5 bar compared to the manufacturer’s specification. Tires lose air during storage. So this step ensures you have enough pressure the next time you change.
Store complete wheels horizontally, store tires without rims vertically
Complete wheels with rims and tires should be stored one above the other with increased air pressure. Store tires without rims upright and turn them from time to time.
Where is the best place to store tires?
The ideal storage location at home: cool, dark, dry
Constant moisture, solvents or oils should not affect the tire. In addition, the tires must be protected from direct sunlight.
Professional storage at workshops or tire dealers
If you can’t find a suitable place for your tires at home, you can, for example, have them stored in car workshops for a fee.
How long can tires last?
According experts in the field: Regardless of the tread depth, a tire ends after eight to ten years.
The date of manufacture can be read on one of its flanks by the four-digit number at the end of the “DOT” label (Department of Transport): the first two digits stand for the week of production, the last two for the year. Example: “2418” stands for the 24th calendar week of 2018.
