How to Store Tires in a Storage Unit
Whether you own a classic or vintage car, a new sports car, or a family station wagon, there may come a time when you need to store spare or seasonal tires. Free up space in your garage for more essential things like your car and store tires in a storage unit instead. With a few tips and best practices, you’ll find this a great option to keep tires you may not need out of the way but in a safe place. We’ll look at how to prepare tires for storage, whether you need climate control, how to maintain quality and long-term storage guidelines, and more.
Preparing Tires for Storage
Before storing tires, be sure you give them a thorough inspection. Ensure they are clean and remove any debris, mud, or other materials accumulated on the treads. This is an excellent time to check for wear and tear and damage. If tires are damaged, and beyond repair, it might be a good time to recycle old tires instead of storage. Once your tires are cleaned, they’re ready to roll into your storage unit.
Do Tires Need to Be Stored in a Climate Controlled Unit?
Like storing a car, the most critical factor in tire storage is keeping them out of the elements. Keeping tires stacked in your backyard under the sun’s heat through cold, snowy winters and other weather conditions will considerably shorten life. Even storing tires under a tarp is not a good idea. They will still be affected by temperature changes, dampness, and oxidization. If you want to length the roadworthiness of your tires, place them in storage in a clean area, away from direct sunlight and any heat source.
A climate-controlled unit will protect your tires even more if you live in an area with extreme seasonal differences with high summer temps and cold winters.
Best Practices for Tire Storage
You may not think that tires need to be stored in a specific way. Indeed, proper arrangement and stacking are essential to avoid any unnecessary stress on the tire and increase longevity. Here are some best practices when storing your tires in a storage unit.
- Make sure your unit is large enough to accommodate your tires.
- Keep a record of tire age and condition for future reference.
- Stack tires no more than four high.
- Vertical storage is ideal over horizontally if possible.
- Use a tire rack to keep them organized and prevent uneven pressure distribution.
- Stack tires on a pallet instead of directly on concrete floors.
- Rotate tires throughout the year to prevent any distortion.
Be sure to lift and handle tires with care and prioritize safety. Use proper lifting techniques and consider using protective covers or even heavy-duty garbage bags to shield tires from dust and dirt.
Long-term Storage Guidelines
How long is long-term? Most consider long-term to be six months or longer. When storing your tires long-term, the most important factor is to rotate them and keep them out of the elements. Before installing the tires, thoroughly inspect them to identify any potential issues that may have arisen during storage.
Drive into Fairfax City Storage Today!
A smooth drive and well-preserved tires go hand-in-hand, and at Fairfax City Storage, we’ve got you covered for keeping your tires properly stored and protected. Our secure and climate controlled storage units are designed to keep your tires and other possessions in the best condition, short-term or long. We have 24-hour gate access, no hidden fees, and all prices are guaranteed for a minimum of 12 months.
If you have questions, we have answers. Our team is standing by, ready to assist you. Contact us today, or visit our website to explore our storage solutions and experience the peace of mind knowing your belongings are safe and sound at Fairfax City Storage.