How to Safely Store All Season Tires
Safely switch out and store your all season tires with these quick tips.
If you’re making the switch to winter tires (and we recommend that you do! Learn why here), that means it’s time to say thank you and goodbye (for now) to your all season tires. Whether you’re a DIY tire maintenance expert, or rely on your local vehicle maintenance specialist, we’ve put together a few tips to help make the seasonal transition quick and easy.
Clean your tires and rims
Whether you’re making the switch yourself, or relying on an expert, make the task a little kinder by taking a few minutes to clear the dirt, dust and grime from your tires. All seasons can accumulate a lot of wear and tear throughout the year, and it’s important to give them a little TLC every now and then. Buy some automotive soap and get your hands a little dirty, then make sure rubber is nice and dry. Proper care can extend the life of your tires for 5-7 years. That’s worth a little scrubbing, if you ask us!
Find a good storage spot
Once removed from your vehicle, you’ll want to store your tires in a cool, dry place. The general rule of thumb is to store tires in a climate-controlled location, and away from the outside elements, sun, or machines that produce ozone (like electric motors, furnaces, and central vacuums). Whether mounted, or unmounted, tires should be stored either stacked or in the upright position (standing on their treads).
Protect your tires
Storing your tires in an airtight bag is not a necessary step, but definitely one that we recommend. This extra protection will help protect your tires from cracking and drying out. First, make sure your tires are clean and dry (see step 1, above), then wrap each one individually in a plastic bag and seal shut. If you aren’t using a plastic bag, you can also opt to place a piece of cardboard between each tire instead.
And there you have it! Easy as 1-2-3. Have any tips we may have missed? Tweet us @OnliaCA #OnliaCA
