I currently run a summer set of tires and will also have a "fall/winter" set of tires for when I take trips into areas that may have snow/slush etc. Is there any length of time that you can keep tires "in waiting" until you need them? I may not need the non summer tires anytime soon, and was wondering if there is a negative to storing them for long periods of time. Thanks.

 

These days, you can pretty much keep tires as long as you need them too, as long as they're kept in a cool dry place and away from extreme heat. Storring tires season to season is no big deal. It's the tires that have been sitting on a car, in your yard or driveway for the past 10 years you need to worry about....

 

^^^ wat he said. I heard tire manufacturers may start putting
expiration dates on tire sidewalls in the near future. From wat
I read, typically tires can maintain its original specs for 7 years
including storage and service life. So if you have tires from the
late 90's you might want to inspect them for cracks before you
re-use them. It really depends on how well you stored them
too though.

It does not mean that after 7 years your tires are suddenly bad.
it just means that the tires may not have the original integrity
or performance and therefore be inspected.

 

i appreciate the reponses. i wasn't sure if i was doing the right thing having two sets or rubber, not knowing exactly how long it would be in between changing them out and storing them. didn't want to have to invest in another non summer set after too much storage time.

 

I run winter setup between November and May and summer between April and October and I'm approaching my 3rd season on my winters. No problems whatsover, but at least double check the air pressure after you put them on.

 

I read that the tires should be stored in a cool, dry place. I live in the Chicagoland area where it gets COLD. Would storing tires in the garage during the winter affect the tires...or should I bring them indoors during these cold months?

 

I have a garage too, but it stays dry and very cool in the winter. If you're worried about keeping them dry, then put them over perforated rubber matting or grating .

 

Thanks!