As a seasoned driver in Alaska, you know how important it is to swap your all-season tires for winter tires during the coldest periods of the year. They’re designed to withstand the intensity of the season’s harshest conditions, from snow to slush to ice. As the warmer weather approaches, however, you may be thinking about switching back to the all-season variety. Here are a few tips to safely put your winter tires into a storage unit during the off season.

How to Store Your Winter Tires

1. Clean Them Carefully

Run a hose completely over each tire, ensuring that you saturate it fully to remove any dirt and debris. Then, use a tire brush and some mild soap and water to go after more stubborn buildup aggressively. Scrub away at grime and dust that may have accumulated during the season. Grime can eventually corrode the tire and lead to deterioration while it’s in storage.

2. Prepare the Space

Ideally, you should keep your tires in a space that’s dry and cool, with minimal temperature fluctuations. Avoid storing them alongside any type of motorized device, like a hot water heater or a furnace. Motors generate ozone, which can cause cracks to form in the tires’ sidewalls and the rubber to break down.

3. Cover the Tires

Before placing them in the unit, make sure each tire is properly covered with a storage bag. These create an impenetrable and airtight barrier between the rubber and the elements, protecting the material from dust, grime, and other possible contaminants.

4. Place Them Carefully

If your tires have rims, situate them next to one another, so they sit vertically. It’s best to place them on a pallet or another structure a bit off the ground for added protection. If your tires don’t have rims, you can place them flat and stack them on top of each other. No matter how you position them, make sure to rotate them at least monthly to prevent pressure-related damage.

If you’re seeking a safe location to keep your winter tires during the off season, turn to Ship Creek Storage in Anchorage, AK. The locally owned and operated storage facility provides a range of services to meet your unique needs. They’re proud to offer reasonable monthly rates, along with friendly professionals on-site to answer your questions. Visit the website to learn more about their services, or call (907) 276-4107 to request a free estimate.