Storing tires

[Cas77]

This might be a stupid question but should I store my summer wheels (tires on rims) horizontally (standing up) or vertically (piled one on top of the other)? They will be in my non-heated garage all winter (in nylon tire bags) sitting on the concrete floor. should I maybe put something underneath?

Sorry of it's been asked...but a search did not turn up anything.

[hightech]

The best place to store tires is in a cool, dry location. (Basement, or possibly a garage). You can lay them down flat (to avoid flat spotting of tires), stacked on top of each other, but no taller than 4 high. This offers the most support and should eliminate any fitting problems the following fall.

It is also recommend that you return to the store/dealer from where you purchased your tires, and ask for storage bags. This will protect the tires from natural ozone in the air which can cause tire rubber to dry and crack. Wrap each tire individually and stack them. Stored tires should be kept away from electric motors or welders as these produce ozone which will damage the rubber over time.

Link: http://www.1010tires.com/tech.asp?type=tires#storing_winter_tires

[Troi]

Thanks, HighTech.....very useful information. I was wondering the same thing.

[Cas77]

Thanks hightech!

[bythehour]

Does anyone clean their rims before storage? If so, what do you use to get the baked/caked on brake dust off?

[S14_Raven]

Does anyone clean their rims before storage? If so, what do you use to get the baked/caked on brake dust off?

Rim cleaner? Actually a mechanic buddy of mine turned me on to using brake cleaner fluid. Just gotta make sure it's not gonna damage your rim by using it in a inconspicuous spot first. Makes short work of the caked on brake dust.