Proper storage of summer tires significantly extends their lifespan. The best way to protect summer tires is to store them in a dry, cool and dark place, cleaned and properly packaged. It is a good idea to wash, dry and protect tires before storing them, and store them either upright or stacked in a shallow pile. Flexistore's app-controlled small storage facilities in Helsinki offer ideal conditions for safe tire storage. Learn about our services and please contact our customer service for more information or book a suitable small storage facility for your summer tires at www.flexistore.fi.
Why is proper storage of summer tires important?
Proper storage of summer tires is very important, as it can extend the life of the tires by up to 2-3 years. Tires contain rubber compounds and reinforcements that degrade faster in improper storage conditions. Exposure to direct sunlight, high temperatures, or large temperature fluctuations weakens the structure of the rubber.
Improper storage causes a number of problems, including rubber cracking, tire deformation, and general wear and tear, which can cause tires to lose both their grip and safety features. High-quality storage saves money, because new summer tires are a significant expense – the price of a set can easily be 400-1000 euros.
Inadequate storage often leads to premature tire replacement, which means significant additional costs in the long run. When stored properly, summer tires maintain their properties year after year.
What are the basic requirements for storing summer tires?
The basic requirements for storing summer tires are a dry, cool and dark place. The ideal temperature is 0-15°C, humidity below 60% and direct sunlight should be completely eliminated. These conditions prevent premature aging, cracking and hardening of the rubber.
A consistent temperature is especially important, as large fluctuations put stress on the tire structure. Oils, solvents and chemicals should also be kept away from tires, as they can damage the rubber. For this reason, garages where oils and chemicals are also stored are not always ideal locations.
Flexistore's warehouse facilities in Malmi, Helsinki offer just the right conditions for storing summer tires. The facilities are dry, protected from the sun and the temperature remains constant. You can check out the low prices for storage facilities and reserve a storage space of a suitable size according to your needs starting from 23€/month at www.flexistore.fi/hinnat/.
How should summer tires be cleaned and prepared before storage?
Summer tires should be cleaned thoroughly before storage. Wash the tires with warm water and a mild detergent, removing all dirt, road salt and brake dust. Brush the grooves and sidewalls of the tire especially carefully. Dry the tires completely before storage, as moisture can cause mold.
After cleaning:
- Check the tires for damage – scratches, cracks or unusual wear
- Mark the location of the tires on the car (e.g. “front right”) with a water-soluble marker.
- Make sure the tires are completely dry
- Consider using a rubber preservative
Careful cleaning is important because dirt and especially road salt corrode the tire surface over time. Clean tires stay in better condition and are ready for use next season. You can easily access Flexistore's warehouse via the app at any time, so picking up tires is effortless when the season changes.
What are the best packaging methods for summer tires when storing?
The best way to pack summer tires is to pack them in tire bags and stack them correctly or store them upright. Tire bags protect the tires from dust and moisture, and black bags in particular prevent damage from UV radiation. Alternatively, you can wrap the tires in bubble wrap or plastic wrap.
Storage position options:
- Upright position: The best way to prevent deformation
- Stacking on top of each other: Stack up to four rings on top of each other
- Hanging: For short-term storage only, may cause stretching
If you store tires on rims, it is better to stack them on top of each other or hang them from the rims. Tire bags are a small investment that is worth it – they pay for themselves in the form of a longer service life for the tires. In Flexistore's storage facilities, you can arrange the tires exactly how you want, and the easy accessibility of the facilities makes it possible to check the position of the tires and replace them if necessary.
How often should stored summer tires be checked and maintained?
It is a good idea to check stored summer tires at least once or twice during the storage period. The check should ensure that storage conditions have remained suitable, the tires have not been exposed to moisture or chemicals, and that there is no deformation or cracking.
It is a good idea to check tire pressures before storage and keep them slightly higher than normal (about 0.5 bar above the recommendation) during storage. If the tires are on rims, it is a good idea to lower the pressure to about 1.5 bar during storage, so that the tire is not put under too much strain.
Regular checking helps to spot problems early. Flexistore's warehouse is accessible 24/7 via a smartphone app, so you can easily check the condition of your tires when it suits you best. This makes regular checks hassle-free and ensures that your tires remain in good condition for the next season.
