What is the correct way to store tyres

As a driver, there are several reasons why you may need to change your tyres. Sometimes it will simply be because they need replacing i.e. they are at the end of their useful life, sometimes it will be because they are damaged, and on other occasions, it may be because you are changing seasonal tyres.

Drivers are increasingly opting for all-season tyres as these remove the need to switch and can, in some cases, offer the best of both worlds and save money. However, in many countries, it is a legal requirement to use seasonal tyres because of the weather conditions. And some drivers in UK locations with harsher winter weather prefer to do this anyway to ensure that the tyre they are using is specifically designed for use in those conditions/temperatures.

If you have decided that you are going for winter and summer tyres, you will expect that they will last a number of years, so you will need to think about storage. There are two main options when it comes to tyre storage: you can either store them yourself, or store them at a garage or storage service with a dedicated storage space.

Using a professional garage or storage service is a good option if you do not have much space - and they will have dedicated places where they keep them in optimised environments. However, some people may feel that this option is an unnecessary expense and means you cannot access them 24/7/365.

Storing them yourself, perhaps in your basement or garage, is the other, most popular option. The upsides to this are that it is cheap and you have easy access. The potential downsides are that the conditions may not be as optimal as those in a dedicated garage or storage space, potentially meaning that the stored tyres will not last as long.

Best conditions for storing tyres

Assuming that you have the space and you have decided to store the tyres yourself, the optimum conditions for storage are:

1. A constant temperature of between -5°C and +25°C

2. Air humidity of 70% (maximum)

3. A space that is not near to major sources of heat (e.g. boilers, radiators)

4. A space that is not exposed to sunlight

5. A space that has good ventilation

6. A space that is free from devices that produce ozone effects, such as transformers or generators

How to store your tyres

You can store your tyres either with or without rims. If storing with rims, you should not store them vertically. Instead, they should be hung on hooks or stacked horizontally. If stacking, you should switch the order every month in order to prevent the bottom tyre from becoming deformed. If storing without rims, you should store vertically, not horizontally, and you should definitely not hang them on hooks. You should rotate them approximately every four weeks.

Protyre - why choose us?

As our name suggests, Protyre are the experts in all tyre-related matters. We are one of the largest suppliers of tyres in the UK and have an extensive network of garages across the country.

When it comes to the range available, we offer premium tyres from major names such as Pirelli, Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear; mid-range products from brands including Avon, Firestone, Hankook, and Sumitomo; and economy options from manufacturers such as Autogrip, Ovation, and Budget. Most of these brands offer all-season, summer, winter, and UHP tyres - with many also offering extra load (XL) and run-flat versions.

In addition to tyre fitting, Protyre garages offer MOTs, servicing (Gold, Silver, or Bronze), and a number of free vehicle safety checks. All of these can be booked online or over the phone. All Protyre garages are staffed by experienced and qualified fitters.