How to Store Seasonal Tyres Correctly to Extend Their Life

The correct storage of seasonal tyres significantly affects how long they remain safe and usable. Tyre rubber degrades when exposed to heat, UV light, ozone, and chemical contamination. A tyre left propped against a sunny exterior wall or stored in a leaking garage will age much faster than one stored correctly, potentially cutting its usable life by several seasons.

Clean tyres thoroughly before storing them — road grime and brake dust contain compounds that accelerate rubber degradation. Once clean and dry, place unmounted tyres in large airtight bags (purpose-made tyre storage bags are inexpensive and widely available) to limit ozone exposure. Store them in a cool, dark, dry location away from electric motors, which produce ozone. Tyres still on their rims can be stacked horizontally; unmounted tyres are better stored vertically and should be repositioned periodically to prevent flat spots.

Mark each tyre with its previous position on the vehicle before removal so you can rotate them when refitting. This ensures even wear across the set over multiple seasons. If you are short on storage space, many tyre fitting businesses — including some mobile operators — offer seasonal tyre storage services for a modest annual fee. This is worth considering if you do not have a suitable space at home.