Store Winter Tires

3 Parts:

Steps to Store Winter Tires

Tips

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If the area you live in means that you regularly drive on ice and snow during the winter months it is highly recommended that you purchase and use winter tires. Winter tires stay soft at low temperatures, unlike normal tires which get harder as the temperature drops, and this means they will give you better traction, braking and handling during winter. Once the weather warms up your softer winter tires should be put into storage because they become less effective than normal tires and will also wear out faster in warmer conditions. Your winter tires must be stored correctly in the right environment or their lifespan could be significantly shortened and they may even become unusable. If you store your tires correctly they can last for many years and you'll save a lot of money on replacements, to get the maximum possible life out of your tires use the following guidelines:

1. 1
   Use a suitable storage area - It is best to use a cool, dry area such as a basement or garage, preferably somewhere out of the way where the risk of accidental damage to the tires is minimized

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   Your tires must always be stored inside because even with a protective covering if you store your tires in the open they are going to get damaged.

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2. 2
   Keep your tires at the right temperature - Store your tires in a room where the temperature does not go higher than normal room temperature

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   If there is a heater in the room shield your tires from the heat; tires soak up heat easily and as they get warmed the rubber inside will begin to break down, damaging your tires.

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3. 3
   Clean your tires before storing - When in use your tires can pick up dirt and brake dust

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   All of these substances can be damaging to your tires so clean them first and allow them to dry before putting them in storage. If you leave damaging substances on your tires, then no matter what other precautions you take they will degrade while being stored.

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4. 4
   Avoid sunlight - Sunlight can be damaging to tires, particularly softer winter tires

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   Just as you want to shield the tires from heat from a heater we need to also shield them from heat from the sun. Even if the day is not particularly warm the ultraviolet rays the sun produces can damage the tire. The best way to avoid accidental exposure to sunlight is to store your tires in dark plastic bags at all times.

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5. 5
   Keep them airtight - When you put your tires into black bags use a vacuum cleaner to suck out as much air as possible

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   The less air there is inside the bags the better, this will reduce moisture and prevent oils within the tire from evaporating.

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6. 6
   Store your tires upright - Stack your tires one on top of the other

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   If you have more than one set of winter tires don't stack them higher than 4 tires high. If you stack them higher they could easily be knocked over, causing damage to your tires.

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7. 7
   Avoid ozone - Electric motors and furnaces create ozone, which can be highly damaging to your tires

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   Even if you've sealed them in a bag it is best to keep them as far away as possible from sources of ozone and ideally your storage area should have no devices that produce ozone at all.

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• If you follow all of these tips you should significantly extend the life of your tires and save a significant amount of money, as well as improving your safety on the road as your tires will be in better condition.
• No matter how well you store your tires, they will eventually age and need replacing because when used they will take damage and wear down.
• If your tires are wearing excessively or if the tread is getting shallow do not risk using them again, but instead replace them before the next winter season.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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