How to Store Winter Tires
Winter tires are built to handle ice, slush, and freezing roads, but they are surprisingly bad at sitting still in the wrong conditions. Improper storage can undo multiple seasons of use by hardening the rubber, flattening the tread, or encouraging dry rot that makes the tire unsafe long before it wears out. Most tire damage happens in storage, not on the road.
If you want to know how to store winter tires so they stay flexible, safe, and ready for next season, this guide covers exactly what matters and why skipping certain steps shortens their lifespan.
While we’re on the subject of storage, we have other helpful guides such as how to store your washing machine, how to store furniture and how to store your pressure washer, so you can keep all your belongings safe and properly stored while not in use.
The TL;DR if you’re in a hurry
- Clean tires thoroughly before storage
- Let tires dry completely to prevent moisture damage
- Store tires away from sunlight and ozone sources
- Keep tires in a cool, dry, stable environment
- Avoid direct contact with concrete floors
- Store tires in the correct orientation
- Use breathable covers, not airtight plastic
- Maintain tire shape to prevent flat spotting
Understand what actually damages tires in storage
Tires degrade when exposed to heat, oxygen, ozone, and ultraviolet light. Dry rot is the result of rubber compounds breaking down as oils within the tire evaporate or migrate away from the surface. This process accelerates when tires are exposed to sunlight, high temperatures, or air that is too dry.
Storage does not stop aging. It slows it down when done correctly and speeds it up when done poorly. The goal is to reduce exposure to the elements that pull flexibility out of the rubber over time.
Clean tires before storing them
Road salt, brake dust, oil, and grime all contribute to rubber degradation. Tires should be cleaned before storage using mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals, tire shine products, or petroleum based cleaners, since these can strip protective oils from the rubber.
Rinse thoroughly and allow the tires to dry completely before storing them. Moisture trapped against rubber or wheels encourages corrosion on rims and creates conditions that accelerate rubber breakdown Tires should never be stored wet or dirty.
Control exposure to air and ozone
Oxygen and ozone are major contributors to dry rot. While you cannot remove air entirely, you can reduce exposure.
Store tires in a sealed but not airtight environment. Tire storage bags designed specifically for long term storage work well, as do heavy duty plastic bags with small ventilation holes added. The goal is to limit airflow without trapping moisture.
Avoid storing tires near electric motors, furnaces, water heaters, or compressors. These devices generate ozone, which rapidly degrades rubber even in low concentrations.
Choose the right storage environment
Temperature stability matters more than most people realize. Tires should be stored in a cool, dry place where temperatures remain consistent. Heat accelerates rubber aging, while freezing temperatures can cause rubber to stiffen if combined with low humidity.
Sunlight is one of the fastest ways to damage tires. Even indirect UV exposure over time can dry out rubber. Tires should always be stored in complete darkness or covered fully.
Basements, climate controlled storage units, and interior closets work well. Sheds and garages can work if they remain cool and dry, but exposure must be carefully managed.
Keep tires off concrete floors
Concrete draws moisture and can pull protective oils from rubber over time. Tires stored directly on concrete are more likely to develop surface cracking.
Place tires on wooden pallets, rubber mats, or cardboard sheets to create a barrier between the tire and the floor. This also helps regulate temperature and reduces moisture transfer.
Avoid stacking tires directly on damp or bare concrete.
Store tires in the correct position
How tires should be stored depends on whether they are mounted on rims.
Mounted tires can be stacked horizontally or hung on a tire rack. If stacking, limit the height to avoid excessive pressure on the bottom tire. Rotating the stack periodically helps prevent flat spotting.
Unmounted tires should be stored upright, standing vertically. Stacking unmounted tires can cause sidewall deformation over time. Rotate upright tires occasionally to prevent flat spots from forming.
Never hang unmounted tires, as this places stress on the sidewalls.
Protect against dry rot long term
Preventing dry rot is about slowing rubber aging, not stopping it entirely. In addition to controlling air, light, and temperature, avoid applying tire dressings before storage. Many dressings contain chemicals that accelerate drying rather than prevent it. Maintaining moderate humidity helps preserve rubber flexibility. Extremely dry environments can pull oils out of the tire faster. A cool, slightly humid space is ideal.
Periodic inspection during storage allows you to catch early signs of cracking or surface dryness before the tire becomes unsafe.
Inspect before reinstalling
Before reinstalling winter tires, inspect them carefully. Look for fine cracks along the sidewalls or tread blocks, which are early signs of dry rot. Check for flat spots, deformation, or changes in rubber flexibility. If the rubber feels brittle or cracks are visible, the tire may no longer be safe, regardless of tread depth. Proper storage ensures your winter tires are ready when temperatures drop again.
Store your Tires with a Storage Facility You Can Trust
Winter tires are an investment, and how they are stored determines how long that investment lasts. Dry rot does not happen overnight, but poor storage accelerates it quietly and consistently.
By cleaning tires thoroughly, controlling exposure to air, light, and ozone, storing them in the correct position, and keeping them off concrete, you significantly extend their usable life.
Trusted Self Storage has several locations across:
Let us help you find the right storage for your needs.