Tire Change Tips: How to Properly Store Summer Tires for Maximum Lifespan

By: Cité Auto

Tire Change Tips: How to Properly Store Summer Tires for Maximum Lifespan

Fall in Montreal means cooler air, colorful leaves, and… tire changes. As temperatures drop, it’s time to swap your summer tires for winter ones. But before you simply stack those warm-weather tires in a corner of your garage, take a moment to think about how you’re storing them.

Believe it or not, proper tire storage can add years to their life, keep your car safer, and save you money over time. The way you handle your tires after a tire change matters more than most drivers realize.

At Cité Auto, we see this every year — drivers rush through their seasonal tire swap, toss their summer tires into storage without a plan, and return months later to find cracks, flat spots, or warped rubber.

The good news? Storing your tires the right way is simple once you know the steps. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to protect your tires between seasons, why it matters, and how to make the most of your tire change in Montreal’s demanding climate.

1. Why Proper Tire Storage Matters After a Tire Change

Let’s start with the basics — why does storage even matter? Tires are made of rubber, which reacts to temperature, light, and humidity. The wrong conditions can cause premature aging, cracking, and loss of grip.

1.1 The Science Behind Tire Aging

Your tires are not just black circles of rubber — they’re carefully engineered composites made from synthetic polymers, steel belts, and chemical additives that keep them flexible and safe.

Over time, exposure to:

• UV rays (from sunlight),

• Ozone (from nearby electric motors or appliances), and

• Heat and humidity,

can break down these compounds. This leads to what mechanics call dry rot — tiny cracks that weaken your tires’ structure.

So if you leave your tires stacked in a damp garage or exposed to sunlight after your tire change, you’re speeding up this process without realizing it.

1.2 The Montreal Factor: Why Our Climate Is Tough on Tires

Montreal’s weather doesn’t make things easier. We deal with:

• Extreme temperature swings (from +35°C in summer to -25°C in winter),

• High humidity in fall and spring,

• Road salt and moisture in garages that can corrode rims.

If you store your tires improperly here, they can deteriorate within a single season. The combination of cold air and trapped moisture is a tire’s worst enemy.

That’s why mechanics in Montreal often emphasize not just the tire change, but the tire care that follows.

1.3 Saving Money and Extending Tire Life

Tires aren’t cheap. A good set can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,200.Proper storage can easily extend your tire lifespan by 2 to 3 years — meaning fewer replacements and more savings.

In short: taking care of your tires between seasons is one of the easiest ways to protect your investment.

2. How to Prepare Your Summer Tires for Storage

Once your tire change is done, it’s tempting to just throw your summer set in the basement. But taking a few minutes to prepare them properly can make a big difference.

2.1 Clean Your Tires Thoroughly

Before storage, your tires are likely coated in:

• Dust,

• Brake residue,

• Road grime, and

• Tiny bits of asphalt or salt.

If left uncleaned, these substances can damage the rubber surface over time.

Here’s how to clean them properly:

1. Use mild soap and warm water (avoid harsh chemicals).

2. Scrub the sidewalls and treads with a soft brush.

3. Rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely before storage.

Pro tip: Never apply tire dressing or silicone shine before storage — they can trap moisture and cause cracking.

2.2 Inspect for Damage or Uneven Wear

Storage is the perfect time to check your tires for signs of trouble. Look for:

• Cracks or bulges in the sidewall,

• Uneven tread wear,

• Nails or embedded objects.

If you notice anything unusual, bring them to your local auto mechanic or tire specialist before putting them away. It’s much easier (and cheaper) to fix an issue now than discover it during your next tire change in spring.

2.3 Mark the Tire Positions

Before stacking them, label each tire according to its previous position:

• FL (Front Left)

• FR (Front Right)

• RL (Rear Left)

• RR (Rear Right)

This makes your next tire change faster and ensures proper rotation when reinstalling. Tire rotation helps balance wear and keeps handling consistent.

3. Best Tire Storage Practices: Location and Method

Now that your tires are clean and dry, where should you keep them? Choosing the right environment and storing them correctly makes a world of difference.

3.1 Choose the Right Location

The ideal tire storage spot is:

• Cool,

• Dry, and

• Dark.

Avoid places that fluctuate in temperature or humidity — like outdoor sheds, balconies, or unheated garages.

Good options include:

• A basement, where temperatures stay stable,

• A climate-controlled storage unit,

• Or your auto repair shop’s tire storage service (many garages in Montreal, including Cité Auto, offer this).

3.2 Keep Tires Away from Chemicals and Heat Sources

Rubber is sensitive to chemical vapors and ozone. Avoid storing your tires near:

• Electric motors (furnaces, freezers, dryers),

• Gasoline, paints, or solvents,

• Direct sunlight or heaters.

Even small amounts of ozone can accelerate cracking. Always keep your tires at least a few feet away from such sources.

3.3 Properly Position the Tires: Standing, Hanging, or Stacking?

How you position your tires depends on whether they’re mounted on rims.

• If your tires are on rims → Store them stacked or hung on hooks.

  • Stacking keeps the rim safe, but rotate the position monthly.

  • Hanging prevents flat spots and saves floor space.

• If your tires are off rims → Store them standing upright.

  • Never stack unmounted tires — it can deform the sidewalls.

  • Rotate them every few weeks to distribute pressure evenly.

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Pro tip: Use tire storage bags or large plastic bags to reduce exposure to air and humidity. Seal them tightly after removing as much air as possible.

4. Extra Pro Tips from Your Local Auto Mechanic Shop

Now that you know the basics, let’s go a bit further. These expert-approved tips will ensure your tires stay fresh, balanced, and ready for the road come springtime.

4.1 Maintain Proper Air Pressure Before Storage

If your tires are mounted on rims, check their air pressure before storing them. Over time, tires naturally lose air, and low pressure can lead to flat spots.

• Inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.

• Recheck them every 2–3 months if you’re storing them for an extended period.

Your auto mechanic shop can also fill them with nitrogen for longer-lasting pressure stability.

4.2 Avoid Outdoor Storage Whenever Possible

Even covered parking spots or outdoor sheds expose your tires to humidity and temperature swings.

If outdoor storage is your only option:

• Keep tires off the ground using pallets or wood planks.

• Use waterproof covers but allow minimal airflow to prevent condensation buildup.

• Avoid direct contact with concrete—it draws moisture that accelerates cracking.

4.3 Consider Professional Tire Storage Services

Don’t have space at home? Many Montreal garages (including Cité Auto) offer professional tire storage solutions.

Here’s why it’s worth it:

• Climate-controlled environments prevent heat and humidity damage.

• Your tires are safely tagged, stored, and ready for your next tire change.

• You free up garage space and save yourself the heavy lifting.

Plus, many shops will inspect your tires during storage — checking for wear, balance, and pressure before reinstalling them.

Conclusion: Treat Your Tires Like an Investment

Your tires are your vehicle’s connection to the road — they affect safety, fuel economy, and handling. So it makes sense to treat them with care, even when they’re not in use.

By following these tire change and storage tips, you’ll:

• Prevent premature wear and cracking,

• Save money on replacements,

• And ensure your summer tires perform like new, season after season.

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At Centre de mécanique Cité Auto, we’re here to help Montreal drivers get the most out of every tire change. Whether you need professional tire storage, inspection, or a full maintenance check before winter, our team of trusted mechanics has you covered.

Because proper storage isn’t just about convenience — it’s about safety, performance, and peace of mind.