October is finally here and that means that it may be time to swap out your summer tires for a fresh new set of winter tires. Or the ones that have been stored away. Whichever you choose, we want to help you properly store your summer tires away from any extreme temperature exposure, ozone, and possible heat sources. Here are a few tips to help you extend the life of your summer tires!

• Before storing your summer tires, give them a good wash. Get out the soap, tire brush, and bucket of water – cleaning off any dirt, grime, and built up brake dust will keep your tires healthier. If you choose to keep your wheels on your tires, clean them accordingly. Dry them completely and do not apply any type of tire dressing.
• Once dry, place each tire in its own separate airtight plastic bag. Avoid moisture at all costs and remove as much air as you can. Close up the bag tightly with tape or a zip tie to prevent oil evaporation.
• Place the tires in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. A basement or climate-controlled area works best whereas a garage or shed are often exposed to extreme temperatures. Your tires should also be stored away from sources of ozone like motors, furnaces, sump pumps, and switches.
• If you have enough room, store your tires vertically rather than stacking them horizontally. This reduces stress and distortion. If you choose to stack them without bags, stack them “white to white” and “black to black.”
• If you are leaving the tires on a vehicle, do not let the vehicle sit for an extended period of time. Long-term inactivity is extremely harmful to tires. Take the vehicle for a weekly drive to ensure that the tires maintain oil dispersion within the rubber compounds.