How to Store Tyres Properly: Home Storage vs Tyre Hotel Guide

Proper tyre storage can extend your tyres' lifespan by 2-3 years, while poor storage can ruin them in a single off-season. Whether you store at home or use a tyre hotel, following the right methods protects your investment and ensures your tyres perform safely when you need them.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Tyres are made of rubber compounds that degrade when exposed to:

• UV light — causes cracking and hardening
• Ozone — accelerates rubber breakdown
• Extreme temperatures — deforms and damages compounds
• Improper positioning — creates flat spots and deformation

A single season of poor storage can create safety issues that aren't immediately visible but affect grip and handling.

Before You Store: Essential Preparation

Step 1: Clean Thoroughly

Before storage, wash your tyres completely:

1. Remove dirt, salt, and brake dust
2. Use mild soap and water (avoid harsh chemicals)
3. Clean both the tyre and rim
4. Dry completely — moisture causes mould and corrosion

Step 2: Inspect for Damage

Check each tyre for:

• Cuts or punctures in the tread
• Bulges or bubbles on sidewalls
• Uneven wear patterns
• Cracking in the rubber
• Objects lodged in the tread

Mark any issues and consider whether the tyre needs replacing before next season.

Step 3: Mark Position

If you're rotating tyres, mark their position:

• FL (Front Left)
• FR (Front Right)
• RL (Rear Left)
• RR (Rear Right)

This helps track wear patterns and plan rotation strategy.

How to Store: Mounted vs Unmounted

Tyres on Rims (Mounted)

Best methods:

1. Hanging — Use hooks through the rim (never through the tyre). This is the ideal method as it puts no stress on the tyre.
2. Stacked flat — Stack tyres on top of each other, up to 4 high. Rotate the stack every 2-3 months.

Never: Store mounted tyres standing upright. The weight on one spot creates flat spots.

Tyres without Rims (Unmounted)

Best method:

• Store standing upright, side by side
• Rotate a quarter turn every 2-3 months
• Use a tyre rack if possible

Never: Stack unmounted tyres. The weight deforms the lower tyres and can damage the bead.

Optimal Storage Conditions

Temperature

Environment Checklist

• Cool — Under 15°C ideally, max 25°C
• Dry — Low humidity prevents mould
• Dark — No direct sunlight or UV exposure
• Ventilated — Some airflow prevents moisture buildup
• Ozone-free — Keep away from electric motors, welding equipment, or anything producing ozone

Good Storage Locations

• Basement — Usually cool and dark
• Climate-controlled garage — If temperature stays reasonable
• Dedicated storage room — Ideal if conditions are right

Poor Storage Locations

• Outdoor shed — Temperature swings, moisture
• Near windows — UV damage
• Unheated garage — Below 0°C in winter
• Balcony — Weather exposure

Using Tyre Covers or Bags

Tyre covers provide extra protection:

Benefits:

• Block UV light
• Reduce dust accumulation
• Provide some moisture barrier
• Keep tyres cleaner

Important: Use breathable covers or bags with ventilation. Completely sealed plastic can trap moisture and cause problems.

Tyre Hotel: Is It Worth It?

A tyre hotel (dekkhotell) is a professional storage service offered by tyre shops and workshops.

What's Included

Most tyre hotel services include:

• Climate-controlled storage
• Seasonal tyre change
• Tyre washing
• Basic inspection
• Convenient pickup when needed

Typical Costs

When a Tyre Hotel Makes Sense

• Apartment living — No suitable storage space
• Fire regulations — Many housing associations ban tyre storage in common areas
• Convenience — Don't want to transport and store tyres yourself
• Optimal conditions — Professional facilities maintain ideal temperature and humidity
• Peace of mind — Insurance often included

When Home Storage Is Better

• You have suitable space — Cool, dry basement or garage
• Cost savings — One-time rack purchase vs ongoing fees
• Flexibility — Change tyres on your own schedule
• Multiple vehicles — Costs add up quickly

Storage Duration Limits

Even properly stored, tyres have limits:

Finding tyre age: Check the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits show the week and year of manufacture (e.g., 2523 = week 25 of 2023).

Seasonal Storage Checklist

When Putting Into Storage

• [ ] Clean tyres and rims thoroughly
• [ ] Dry completely
• [ ] Inspect for damage
• [ ] Mark positions (FL, FR, RL, RR)
• [ ] Reduce pressure if storing long-term
• [ ] Place in appropriate position (mounted vs unmounted)
• [ ] Cover with breathable covers
• [ ] Note storage date

When Removing From Storage

• [ ] Inspect for damage or cracking
• [ ] Check for flat spots (usually disappear after driving)
• [ ] Inflate to correct pressure
• [ ] Verify tread depth meets legal requirements
• [ ] Check DOT code for age

Common Storage Mistakes

Mistake 1: Leaving Dirty

Salt, brake dust, and dirt continue damaging tyres during storage. Always clean first.

Mistake 2: Direct Sunlight

Even a small window can cause UV damage over months. Keep tyres in complete darkness.

Mistake 3: Wrong Position

Mounted tyres standing upright develop flat spots. Unmounted tyres stacked get deformed.

Mistake 4: Temperature Extremes

Unheated Norwegian garages can drop well below 0°C. This damages tyre compounds.

Mistake 5: Forgetting to Rotate

Even in storage, tyres need occasional rotation to prevent permanent deformation.

Summary: Quick Reference

Need professional tyre storage or seasonal tyre changes? Contact Kisolve to learn about our services, or browse our tyre selection if it's time for new tyres.