If you run both winter and all-season (or summer) tires, half of your tires are sitting idle for six months at a time. Stored the wrong way, they can degrade before they ever go back on your vehicle.
What actually damages stored tires
Rubber breaks down faster when it's exposed to UV light, ozone, large temperature swings, and direct contact with concrete or oil-based chemicals. A garage corner or an outdoor shed can expose tires to exactly these conditions over a full season.
How to store tires properly at home
- Clean the tires and let them dry completely before storing — dirt and moisture trapped against the rubber accelerates wear.
- Store them in a cool, dry, dark place, away from direct sunlight and away from furnaces, water heaters, or anything that generates ozone.
- If they're off the rims, stand them upright rather than stacking them flat for long periods, to avoid flat spots.
- If they're still mounted on wheels, stacking flat is fine — but keep tire pressure a few PSI above normal to help them hold their shape.
- Use breathable tire bags rather than airtight plastic, which can trap moisture.
The easier option: mobile tire storage
Most homes don't have a dedicated space that checks all of these boxes — and a trunk full of tires isn't ideal either. Mobile Tire Centre offers seasonal tire storage: we pick up your off-season set, store it properly, and bring it back (already swapped onto your vehicle, if you'd like) when the next season rolls around.
Ready for your next changeover? Book online or call 1-888-680-0005 and we'll take care of the swap and the storage.