How to Safely Store Tires in a Storage Unit

Whether you're keeping an extra set of tires for a car restoration project or replacing them seasonally, you'll need a secure tire storage option to protect your spares while you're waiting to get them in place on your vehicle. Failing to store your tires correctly can lead to cracks, hardening and loss of flexibility, dry rot, and general deterioration. By storing your tires at StaxUP Storage – Alpine Blvd, in Alpine, CA, you’ll help extend the life of your tires and keep yourself safe on the road.

Let's see how you can store tires in a storage unit safely.

1. Clean Your Tires Thoroughly

Before you store your tires, give them a thorough cleaning; use mild soap and water to get rid of road grime, brake dust, and dirt. Make sure you allow tires to dry fully to avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to mold growth or deterioration of the rubber. 

In Alpine's warm climate, any leftover grime can bake onto your tires in the heat. It's essential that your tires are completely clean before you put them into storage.

2. Avoid Tire Dressings for Long-Term Storage

Although tire shine products improve the appearance of your tires, they aren't the best option for long-term storage. Certain dressings can deteriorate the rubber over time, especially in enclosed areas like storage units – and won't do anything much to preserve your tires. Before storing, use only soap and water.

3. Bag and Seal Each Tire

Each tire should be placed in a large, airtight plastic bag to reduce exposure to air and moisture. Specialty tire bags are usually the best option, but black contractor leaf bags or heavy duty garbage bags also work as long as they're securely sealed with tape.

If you have the means, think about vacuum-sealing. This reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your tires, preserving the rubber.

4. Store Tires Vertically

If at all possible, store tires vertically, standing upright; stacking tires horizontally can distort their shape over time. If you must stack them, make sure to rotate them from time to time. Don't stack tires too high, or the ones on the bottom will be crushed under the weight.

If your tires are mounted on rims, you can either store them flat (not too high) or hang them from hooks.

5. Keep Tires Off the Ground

Although our clean and secure units at StaxUP Storage – Alpine Blvd help keep your belongings safe, it's still a good idea to elevate tires with a pallet or piece of cardboard.

This provides an additional layer of protection against condensation and fluctuating temperatures.

6. Choose the Right Storage Unit

You can protect your tires from Southern California's harsh sun and dry weather by keeping them in a storage unit. StaxUP Storage is a good option for the following reasons:

• Drive-up access makes it simple to load and unload large objects like tires
• Clean, pest-controlled units stop environmental pollutants from degrading rubber.
• A variety of unit sizes ensure a good fit, whether you're storing one tire or a matching set

7. Monitor Tire Pressure (for Mounted Tires)

If you plan to store inflated tires, visit your unit every few months to check the tire pressure. To reduce strain, it's usually preferable to slightly deflate your tires for long-term storage.

Trust StaxUP Storage – Alpine Blvd for Tire Storage

At StaxUP Storage in Alpine, CA, we're always ready to help you protect your belongings. Our facility is the perfect place to properly store your tires, whether it's just for the season or whether you need a long-term place to store.

Need help choosing the right storage unit for your tires? We're happy to help; get in touch with our staff or visit us in Alpine today!