Proper storage keeps tires safer for longer

The cold winters of the Nordics demand reliable winter grip. All Nordic countries have some form of regulation requiring the use of winter-approved tires during winter conditions or months, and in many countries winter tires are effectively mandatory.

This means that drivers in the Nordic countries typically have two sets of tires—one for summer and one for winter—for their cars, which require storage for several months each year. Proper tire storage is part of safe and economical driving and one of the most important ways to slow tire aging and extend their lifespan: correct storage conditions can give the tires up to one additional driving season.

The requirements for an optimal storage space depend on several factors. Excessive heat or cold can alter the properties of the rubber compound and shorten the tire’s lifespan. A stable temperature is also important, as large fluctuations can stress the rubber structure. Humidity presents its own challenges: the air humidity in the storage space must not be so high that moisture condenses on the tire, nor should the tire be stored where it is exposed to rain or splashing water. Water itself does not cause damage to the tire, but prolonged moisture combined with temperature fluctuations can accelerate oxidation and hardening of rubber compounds.

Light, especially direct sunlight, makes rubber brittle over time. Tires should be stored in a dark or sun-protected place where they are not exposed to UV radiation. Ozone in the air also has a strongly degrading effect on rubber, and devices that generate ozone should not be used near stored tires. Chemical substances such as solvents, oils, and greases are also harmful to tires. They can be absorbed into the rubber compound and weaken it quickly.

It is also important to make sure that the tires maintain their natural shape during storage. They should not be subjected to compression, twisting or pressure. Tires mounted on rims can be hung on wall hooks, but tires without rims should not be hung, as they can deform under their own weight. Long-term deformation can cause cracks when the tire is pressurized after storage. Tires can be stored either stacked or upright, as long as no load is placed on them that would alter their shape. Tire bags are a good way to protect tires from light and moisture, provided the tires are washed and thoroughly dried before bagging. Care is also needed when handling tires: a drop of more than one and a half meters can damage the bead, after which the tire is no longer recommended for mounting on a rim.

For many drivers, however, proper tire storage at home is difficult. Not everyone has access to a storage space that meets all the requirements, space can be limited in general, and many housing cooperatives prohibit storing tires in places like basements. At home, checking the tires’ condition before and after storage is also easily neglected. In such cases, a tire hotel is an easy and safe solution.

Vianor’s tire hotel offers reliable and safe storage for tires. The tires are cleaned, inspected, and stored in a dry, dark, and climate‑controlled environment. They are protected from UV radiation and other potentially damaging factors and handled properly using the correct tools. Before each driving season, a tire professional inspects their condition and pressure and mounts them on the car. This ensures that the tires remain in as good a condition during the entire storage period as they were when left there, and the driver gains more safe driving kilometers.