Unlike many countries, Canada, because of its particular climatic conditions, sees its drivers change their tires twice a year: once during the summer months to install summer tires, and a second time to put on winter tires for the cold season. This tire change is mandatory by law for winter tires, as in Quebec for example. The main reason is simple: winter tires offer better traction in cold weather! However, this means that at each change of season, you must store the two sets of tires that will not be used in the coming months. So how do you store your tires? Blackcircles Canada, your online tire specialist, tells you below!
Let a professional store your tires: the ideal solution.
First of all, remember that optimal storage of your tires allows you to extend their durability, but also to preserve their performance and appearance.
The best and simplest solution is to have your tires stored by a professional, such as your dealer (if they offer this service!). Your dealer will store them according to best practices in a dedicated storage space, for a fee, for the required period of time. This has several advantages:
- You will not have to monitor the conditions in which your tires are stored.
- You won’t have to take them home every time you change your tires.
- By storing your tires in a garage, you will free up space in your home.
- You avoid any risk of burglary. Tires are quite expensive and can tempt thieves!
- Your garage can take care of switching your tires when the time comes, if you wish.
So, storing your tires off-season at a professional only has advantages, but you will have to pay!
Storing your tires at home: some conditions to follow to maintain their integrity!
If you don’t want to spend money on storing your tires, the only solution is to store them at home. But there are certain rules that must be strictly observed to keep them in good condition!
- It’s best to store your tires indoors.
The first thing is not to store your tires outside, as they would be subjected to the elements. Put them in your garden shed, for example, if you have one. Make sure that the storage area is dry, well ventilated and temperate. Avoid keeping them close to any heat source that would unnecessarily heat up the rubber on your tires. Also, make sure to keep them away from anything that could puncture them, such as nails. Finally, since ozone is very aggressive as an oxidizer for rubber, keep your tires away from any source that could emit this gas.
- Before storing, prepare your tires.
Before storing your tires, clean them scrupulously with soap and water and carefully observe their tread pattern to find and remove any foreign matter (e.g. gravel).
After allowing them to dry completely, place each of your tires in an airtight bag or box provided for this purpose. This will among other things prevent direct exposure to the sun’s rays, which can overheat the rubber. You will also avoid the evaporation of the oil lubricating your tires. Protecting your tires during off-season storage will therefore maximise their longevity!
- Mark your tires.
This is based on a simple observation: depending on where the tires are fitted, each of them will not wear at the same rate. For example, a front-wheel drive vehicle will use up its front tires faster than its rear tires. Swapping them will allow you to space out your tire changes.
But to know exactly which tire was mounted where, the best way is to mark them (left front tire, right front tire, left rear tire, right rear tire). This will make it easier for you when you rotate your tires!
- Two storage methods are recommended, depending on whether or not the tires are on rims.
The way to store your tires will vary depending on whether or not they are mounted on wheels. For tires without rims, the ideal method is to store them vertically next to each other. Rotate them every month to prevent one side from carrying more weight than the other and eventually settling. For the same reason, do not stack them on top of each other to avoid deformation.
If the tires are mounted on their wheels and inflated, you can store them by stacking them. However, always rotate the order of the tyres in the stack every four weeks. This will prevent the weight of all the tires from resting on just one of them. If mounted on rims, another solution, which will save you from having to rotate your tires, is to hang them. This will also prevent them from deforming, as the rim on which each tire is mounted will bear the weight.
You can therefore store your tires yourself at home, as long as you follow the few rules mentioned above. But if you are prepared to pay and you do not want to bother with storing, the best thing to do is to have your tires stored by a professional. Do you need to change your tires for 4-season models? Discover our selection of tires directly online at blackcircles.ca!
