With spring in full swing, many people are going to be switching their winter tires out for a new or different set. But what do you do with your tires you just took off your car? If you don’t plan on tossing them, do you know how to properly store them so they stay in tip-top shape for the next season? Well, that’s alright, I got you covered in this week’s blog, I have a to-do list to ensure your tires are properly stored for when they are not in use.

1. Clean up your tires, we all enjoy being squeaky clean as do your tires. It’s important to rid each tire of any brake dust or grime that have built up over the winter. Don’t skip on your wheels, they need TLC too. Dry completely once you are finished.

2. Each tire should be placed in its own plastic bag, this bag should be big enough to cover the entire tire. Bags should also be airtight, use a zip tie after removing the air. This will reduce oil evaporation and keep tires lubricated.

3. Heat can cause damage to your tires, be sure to keep them out of extreme heat and/ or direct sunlight. Keep tires in a climate-controlled, dry area. Avoid areas like attics or sheds that are exposed to extreme heat or cold, tires should also be kept away from ozone sources like sump pumps, furnaces, or electric motors.

4. If you have space, store tires vertically rather than stacking them one on top of the other. This will reduce stress amongst your tires and avoid distortion. Keep them off the ground, for example, place them on a piece of clean wood.

5. Lastly, if you are not using a car, remove and store the tires. If your car sits for extended periods of time it can be harmful to your tires.

If you are looking to replace tires and are unsure if your tires are spring-ready, stop by or schedule a service appointment today.