Where to Store Summer Tires
When it’s time to switch over to winter tires, what do you do with your all-season tires over the cold months? There are some definite do’s and don’ts to this.
Do make sure your tires are clean. Use soap, water and a tire brush to give your tires a good going-over to remove any brake dust, road grime and dirt from the tires before they go into storage – all that stuff can cause tire damage. If they’re still mounted on the rims, this is the perfect time to clean the rims as well.
Do keep them stored in dark plastic bags (like lawn and garden bags). Remove as much air from the bags as possible, then seal them tight with tape. This helps prevent any of the tires’ oils from evaporating. If the tires are off the rims, store them upright (it reduces stress on the tires) – if they’re still mounted, store them stacked. Do not hang un-mounted tires from hooks, as this can distort them permanently.
Don’t store tires in a place where they’re exposed to sunlight. The black surfaces of tires absorbs heat and can quickly heat them up to over 120 degrees. Along with the sun’s UV rays, heat can quickly break tires down. Keep them stored in a cool, dry place like a basement, away from any electric motors or other sources of ozone.
Got any questions about getting your vehicle ready for winter? Give us a call at Chevy Exchange in Lake Bluff, IL and we’ll be happy to answer them!
