Tyre storage isn’t just about stacking spare tyres in the garage — there are strict UK guidelines to follow. This guide explains how to store tyres safely to prevent cracking and ageing, where to keep them, and how to prepare tyres for storage between seasons.
This article is for those drivers who love the specific benefits of seasonal tyres, and for those who switch their tyres to prolong the lifespan of each individual tyre, relying on safe storage for those tyres that aren’t in direct use.
Tyre storage is not as simple as you might think.
Sure, you will often find garages with spare tyres stacked in them. And you might look at your local mechanic’s yard and wonder what kind of regulations they are following, and whether tyre storage really matters that much.
The reality is though, that tyre storage plays a huge role in the safety of tyres on the road. Keep reading to find out why.
Why is Tyre Storage Important?
Tyre storage refers to the way you keep tyres when they’re not fixed to your vehicle and ready for driving. It could be winter tyres that you are storing during the summer season, or spare tyres that you keep for emergency use. It could even be a new set of tyres that you purchased ready to replace your old ones, but that you haven’t gotten around to fitting yet.
Whatever it is, safe storage ensures that those tyres don’t crack, dry out, or get damaged.
What Do You Need to Consider When Storing Tyres?
Did you know that there are safety steps you need to take before you move tyres into storage?
These include noting the position of each tyre on the vehicle before removing them and inspecting each one for any signs of damage or uneven wear. This is important because knowing which position each tyre was in, allows you to safely and effectively rotate them when you fit them back to the vehicle again.
You should also clean tyres thoroughly, dry them, and remove any debris that’s trapped in the tread grooves. This is all geared towards protecting the tyre and preventing it from drying out.
Where Should Tyres Be Stored?
According to UK regulations, car and vehicle tyres need to be stored in a clean and dry, well-ventilated space, away from both direct sunlight and exposure to other elements.
It is advised that tyres are elevated away from the ground and are relieved of any weight or pressure, to ensure that they don’t become worn on one side from the weight of the tyre. This is particularly critical if the tyres are being stored with an entire vehicle – for example, a car you only use very sporadically – as the weight of the vehicle can cause irreparable damage to the inside structure of the tyre if left in one position.
Other tips regarding storage include making sure that tyres are not near corrosive substances, and that there is nothing nearby that could penetrate the rubber.
