Where Should You Store Tires? In a Garage, Cellar or Storage Container?
A suitable storage location should be dry, clean, protected from sunlight and free from significant temperature fluctuations. Tires should also be kept away from chemicals and sources of ozone, such as certain electrical devices.
Storing Tires in a Garage
For most households, a garage is a practical place to store summer or winter tires. They are easy to access, and you do not have to pay for external storage.
When storing tires in a garage, pay particular attention to the following:
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Sunlight: Keep tires out of direct sunlight.
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Heat: Avoid placing them near stoves, heaters, hot pipes or other heat sources.
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Chemicals: Do not store tires next to petrol, oils, solvents or other substances that can damage rubber.
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Electrical equipment: Keep tires away from devices that may generate ozone, such as certain electric motors.
If you also use your garage as a workshop, set aside a separate, clean area for your tires, ideally on a suitable stand or rack.
Storing Tires in a Cellar
A cellar can be a good storage location because it is usually shielded from direct sunlight and may offer more stable temperatures. However, the actual conditions in the space are what matter most.
Before storing your tires, check that there is no condensation or water leakage and that mould is not forming on the floor or walls. Protect complete wheels with metal rims from prolonged exposure to moisture, which can contribute to corrosion.
Place tires on a clean, dry surface or on shelving. Do not leave them for long periods in areas where water or condensation can accumulate.
Storage Containers for Tire Service Centres and Businesses
If you need to store dozens or even hundreds of tires, a dedicated storage space may be more practical than a garage or cellar. This is particularly relevant for tire service centres (pneuservisy), car dealerships, fleet managers and companies that regularly change tires on their vehicles.
A storage container from JOHNNY SERVIS provides additional storage space directly on your business premises. There is no need to build a conventional warehouse, and you can choose a container size that suits your operational needs.
The benefits of a storage container include:
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Separate storage space for seasonal tires and other equipment.
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The option to install shelving for better organisation.
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An enclosed space with options for additional security.
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Delivery and positioning of the container according to the agreed arrangements.
Whether a particular container is suitable for long-term tire storage depends on its design, ventilation and internal conditions. Check that the selected configuration provides appropriate protection against moisture, condensation and high temperatures.
How Should You Store Tires Without Rims?
When storing tires without rims, their position is particularly important. Tires should generally be stored upright, standing side by side on their tread. Avoid storing them horizontally in tall stacks for extended periods or hanging them by part of the tire, as this may cause deformation.
Before putting tires into storage, follow these steps:
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Clean the tires to remove dirt, small stones and mud.
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Allow them to dry thoroughly.
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Mark the position of each tire on the vehicle so you can plan the appropriate rotation for the next season.
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Stand the tires side by side on a clean, dry surface.
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During long-term storage, check their condition and rotate them slightly from time to time, in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Do not place heavy objects on top of the tires or expose them to direct sunlight. If you want to protect them from dust, you can use suitable covers, provided that moisture does not accumulate inside.
How Should You Store Complete Wheels with Rims?
Complete wheels, meaning tires mounted on rims, can be stored differently from tires without rims.
In general, complete wheels can be stored in the following ways:
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Stacked horizontally: Place the wheels on top of one another in a stable stack. Adjust the stack height according to the weight of the wheels, their construction and the safety of the arrangement.
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Hung on a suitable holder: Use a stand or hanging system designed to support the weight of complete wheels safely.
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Stored on a dedicated rack: A rack makes it easier to organise larger numbers of wheels and access individual sets.
Avoid unstable or excessively high stacks and do not overload the storage area. Clean and dry the wheels before putting them away.
Adjust tire pressure during storage in accordance with the tire manufacturer's recommendations and the instructions for the specific type of wheel. Before using the wheels again, inspect the tires and set the operating pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
How Should You Prepare Tires for Storage?
Proper storage starts before the tires are placed in a garage, cellar or storage container. A few simple steps can help keep them in good condition.
Pre-storage checklist:
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Remove dirt from the tread and sidewalls.
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Allow both tires and rims to dry thoroughly.
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Mark the original position of each wheel.
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Check for visible damage, cracks and any issues with the rims.
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Choose a dry, clean and dark storage location.
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Store the tires correctly, depending on whether they are mounted on rims.
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Make sure no other objects are resting on the tires.
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Inspect the tires and check their pressure again before the next season.
Remember that even ideal storage conditions cannot stop rubber from ageing naturally. Before each season, check not only the tread depth but also for cracks, deformation and other signs of damage.
How Many Tires Fit in a Storage Container?
For illustration, let's consider standard passenger car tires in size 205/55 R16. The number of tires that can fit in a container depends on whether you are storing tires without rims or complete wheels, as well as on the chosen storage arrangement.
Example: JOHNNY SERVIS storage containers
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Small storage container, 3 m long: If tires without rims are stored upright, side by side, a simple single-layer arrangement could accommodate several dozen tires—for example, around 50.
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Large storage container, 6.05 m long: Using the same storage method, the container could accommodate approximately 90–100 tires without rims in a single layer.
Complete wheels with rims require a different storage arrangement. They can be stacked horizontally in stable piles or placed on suitable racks. As a result, their storage capacity may differ significantly from that of tires without rims.
Note: These figures are estimates, not guaranteed capacities for specific containers. The actual number of tires depends on the container's internal dimensions, the space required for handling and the shelving system used.
When Does It Make Sense to Expand Your Storage Capacity?
As a customer base or company fleet grows, existing household or business storage space may no longer be sufficient. A lack of space can complicate seasonal tire changes, increase handling times and place additional demands on staff.
A dedicated storage container may be a suitable solution if:
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You need to keep stored tires separate from day-to-day operations.
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You regularly store large numbers of seasonal tire sets.
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You want to keep stock and equipment directly on your business premises.
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You need a flexible solution without constructing a new permanent warehouse.
When choosing a container, consider not only the number of tires you need to store but also security, ventilation, protection against condensation and temperature conditions. Access, handling space and the possibility of expanding storage capacity in the future are also important.
Need More Space to Store Tires?
Whether you operate a tire service centre (pneuservis), manage a company fleet or need extra space to store materials, the right container can make organising your operations easier.
Explore the JOHNNY SERVIS storage container range and choose an option that meets your needs.
If you are unsure which size or configuration is right for you, contact the JOHNNY SERVIS team. Our specialists can help you assess your space requirements, equipment options and container delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tire Storage
What is the ideal temperature for storing tires?
A cool environment with minimal temperature fluctuations is best. Tires should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A dry, clean storage area protected from chemicals is also essential.
How should tires without rims be stored?
Store tires without rims upright, side by side. Avoid stacking them horizontally or hanging them for extended periods. During long-term storage, check their condition and rotate them slightly from time to time, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
Can I store tires in a cellar?
Yes, provided the cellar is dry, clean and free from condensation. Protect the tires from direct sunlight, chemicals and excessive moisture.
How should complete wheels with rims be stored?
Complete wheels can generally be stacked horizontally or hung on a suitable holder. The chosen method must safely support their weight and keep them stable.
Is a storage container suitable for storing tires?
A storage container can be a practical solution for tire service centres, businesses and fleet operators that need additional storage space. Before choosing one, check its design, ventilation and expected internal conditions.
How many tires fit in a storage container?
Capacity depends on tire dimensions, their storage position and the shelving arrangement. For a more accurate estimate, you will need to know the tire dimensions and the planned storage method.
