Swapping out your winter setup for a summer one, or vice versa? Here’s how to store your tires and wheels so they’re in tip-top shape when you need them again.
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to how you store your tires and wheels between seasons. But if you want them to last long and stay in good condition, it’s important to take a few simple precautions.
To get the most from your Jeep tires, it’s best to keep them in a cool, dry place where they’re not exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. If you have the space, storing them on a shelf or in a garage is ideal. If not, simply cover them with a sheet or tarp to keep them clean and dust-free. Although that is not the best ideal, it’s still better than nothing.
Below, we’ve listed some tips on how to store your tires and wheels between seasons. Take these small yet crucial steps to keep your tires and wheels in good condition, so they’re ready to go when you are.
Clean & Bag Them (Without Dressing or Gloss Materials)
It should go without saying, this step is essential if you want to make your tires last year after year. Remove any dirt, debris, or brake dust from your tires and wheels using a soft brush.
If the rims stay on, make sure all brake dust is removed by giving them a good scrub with a quality wheel cleaner. Be sure they are fully dried before storing them for the season. Once they’re clean, place each tire in an individual plastic bag.
You can keep the bags open if you like, but many people prefer to seal them shut to keep out dust and moisture. If you go this route, they’ll be ready as soon as you open them come springtime (or fall, depending on the season).
Choose Your Location (Avoid the Sun)
Believe it or not, the sun can take a toll on your tires. That’s why it’s important to store them in a cool, dark place if possible. The reason is that UV rays will begin to break down the compound over time, similar to how the sun damages our skin.
Not to mention, extreme heat can cause the air in your tires to expand, which can lead to premature wear and tear. So, if you’re storing your tires and wheels for an extended period of time, keep them out of direct sunlight.
4WP recommends storing your wheels in a cool, dark place such as a garage or the basement. If you don’t have adequate indoor space, try to find a shady spot outdoors. But if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, it’s best to keep your tires and wheels stored indoors.
Protect White Rubber
Whitewalls and white accents such as lettering are not as common as they once were, but they’re still available on some tires. If you have a set of whitewall tires, it’s important to take extra care when storing them.
To keep the white rubber from yellowing or fading, we recommend wrapping each tire in a layer of acid-free tissue paper. This will help protect the rubber and keep it looking new. And of course, keeping them away from direct sunlight will also help keep the white rubber from fading.
Avoid Chemical Exposure
Tires are made of rubber, which is at least in part a natural material that comes from trees. And because they’re natural, they can be easily damaged by certain chemicals.
To keep your tires in good condition, it’s important to avoid storing them near any chemicals such as gasoline, oil, or brake fluid. These substances can cause the rubber to degrade over time, which can lead to cracks and leaks.
So, if you’re storing your tires in the garage, make sure they’re well away from any chemicals or fluids. The same goes for if you’re storing them outdoors. Try to keep them on a concrete pad or similar surface that’s free of any chemicals.
Should Tires be Stored Up Right or Flat?
It’s generally best to store your tires in an upright position, as this will help keep their shape. If you have the space, storing them on a shelf is ideal. Otherwise, simply lean them up against a wall or something similar.
If the rims are left on, this is the best option as the additional weight of them will not impact their shape. If stored upright with the rims on, 4WP recommends rotating them every month or so to keep the tires from developing flat spots.
Another option is to store your tires flat, which can save space if you’re short on storage room. However, this isn’t the ideal way to store tires as it can cause them to become misshapen over time.
Again, if this is the only option, make sure to rotate them every month or so to keep them from developing flat spots.
Hang Them Up
While this is not the most popular method, it is arguably the best way to keep your tires in good condition while taking up the least amount of space.
All you need is a sturdy rafter or beam in your garage (or storage shed) and some rope or bungee cords. Simply loop the rope around the tire and secure it to the beam. If you’re using multiple tires, make sure they’re spaced out evenly so they don’t rub together.
This method is perfect for those who are short on storage space, as it takes up virtually no room. Plus, it keeps your tires from developing flat spots and keeps them in good condition overall.
Now that you know how to store your tires and wheels, it’s time to get started. The most important thing to keep tires safe is to store them in a cool, dark place away from any chemicals or fluids. If you can do this, your tires and wheels will be in great condition come springtime.
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