Winter tires are built for snow! But that doesn’t mean they’re built for the harsh conditions of your garage during the summer months. Storing tires can be a hassle because of their size and all the extra steps needed to keep them in good condition.  

Keep reading for a few tips on prolonging the shelf life of your tires while they’re in storage: 

Make sure tires are clean and dry 

Avoid cleaning products that have petroleum. They can end up causing corrosion if your tires are out of service for a couple of months. Mix mild dish soap and warm water in a bucket and scrub away grime before making sure they are completely dry. 

Pro Tip: Avoid using abrasive tire cleaners, dressing and gloss – they can speed up the breakdown of rubber. 

Keep tires away from sunlight 

Direct sunlight and its UV rays penetrate and heat the rubber inducing premature corrosion and leading the tires to dry out. For extra protection, even in a garage or storage unit, cover tires with a thick sun-proof tarp and store them away from windows or doors. 

Wrap each tire in an airtight plastic bag 

Did you know that oxygen deteriorates tires? While some items require airflow to stay in good condition, tires do better in vacuum-sealed plastic. Vacuum-sealing prevents oil from evaporating and drying out the tires, so wrap each tire individually for the best results. 

Pro Tip: You should still use a thick sun-proof tarp for added protection. 

Pack tires properly 

Tires start picking up deformities if they aren’t packed properly. Unmounted tires should be stored upright or stacked on top of one another. Never hang unmounted tires on hooks – the tires tend to sag. Tires on rims should be hung-up on tire hooks or stacked vertically. 

Pro Tip: Keep tires off the ground on a pallet, hook or shelf and rotate their positions monthly to prevent deformities. 


Whether you have a tire business and need some extra storage space or a family looking to store winter tires through the summer – our storage units or containers are dry, spacious and perfect for your tires!  

Call us on 0800 2545585 to learn more about our business storage or personal storage options. Alternatively, get your quick quote here! 

Written by
Simon Fothergill

Simon Fothergill has more than 20 years of experience in the UK self storage industry and is Managing Director of Wigwam Storage. He writes practical, easy-to-follow advice to help customers make the most of self storage, whether they are moving house, decluttering, renovating, storing business stock or simply needing extra space. With a long background in self storage operations and customer service, Simon shares useful self storage tips, packing advice and storage solutions designed to make storage simple, flexible and stress-free.

Customer Reviews

Wigwam Self Storage place picture
4.8
Bruce Joynes profile picture
Bruce Joynes
2 days ago
Very glad we chose Wigwam. everything ran smoothly and the unit is perfect.
Lovely clean place and the app was faultless.
Highly recommended.
Lisa Anderton profile picture
Lisa Anderton
1 week ago
Very easy transaction via phone/email to book a unit. Very pleasant helpful staff during initial contact.
Once contract in place very easy app use to access site and unit, very clear easy to follow instructions. Very happy and would definitely recommend
Clarissa Ardy profile picture
Clarissa Ardy
1 week ago
Wigman Self Storage consistently delivers superb customer service. I received comprehensive assistance throughout the process of securing my storage unit. The facility is impeccably clean, and the procedure was straightforward. The staff I interacted with over the phone were consistently polite, making the entire experience thus far truly marvelous. I highly recommend Wigman Self Storage to anyone in need of storage solutions.
hedi fakhfakh profile picture
hedi fakhfakh
2 weeks ago
Easy quick no hassle
Easy to set up and access the location. Friendly and helpful staff.
Jeanine Hirschl profile picture
Jeanine Hirschl
3 weeks ago
I left a well-known storage unit for Wigwam, mainly because of cost, wigwam are more reasonable, the unit is clean and is entry availablity is upto 10pm. You work off an app that allows entry not only to the building also to your rented unit. It is safe, No fear of loosing keys. The staff very helpful. Highly recommended.
Bryan Sujana profile picture
Bryan Sujana
3 weeks ago
Wished they would tell me the actual total of my 4 months rent and wasn't off by £40+ so I had to redo my budgeting :( other than that great place great staff and the storage is clean and secure👍
Lydia Ebiuwhe profile picture
Lydia Ebiuwhe
3 weeks ago
Lenny was great at helping me get my storage over the phone, and was engaging and fun. I also received some help from a nice guy at the location; I think his name is Adam, a very lovely fellow. Friendly staff they've got. First time using a storage unit, and it was seamless to set up and easy to use the app without any confusion. The price was also really affordable, beyond what I assumed it would be, and I still got a 50% discount for the first 8 weeks. I highly recommend Wigwam.
Sue Hazell profile picture
Sue Hazell
3 weeks ago
Excellent Service & product !
Very easy access with parking right outside the door.
Plenty of trolleys, so no need for muscles ! It maybe a little more expensive than some others, BUT the cleanliness & ease of use perfect.
The staff are VERY patient, explaining how each unit works.
It is great to know the manned office hours & how to make contact if not.
Plenty of accessible hours too.
Ps.... they do like a biscuit or 2 in the office I hear !
J J profile picture
J J
4 weeks ago
Really easy to deal with, Lenny was very helpful and I would recommend.
Chris Hathaway profile picture
Chris Hathaway
4 weeks ago
Really good, staff very helpful.
Units were good and secure.
only critisms - lights turned off automatically too quickly and no onsite toilet.
Sara Hardy profile picture
Sara Hardy
4 weeks ago
Very happy with the service. The staff are very helpful and friendly and explain the whole process right from the start. I can access my belongings easily via an app, which is easy to use.
I Highly recommended this company.