A good question for many car owners is "where do I store my four summer tires during the winter?" Whether you don't have room in your garage or you live in a condo with no storage space at all, that kind of dilemma shouldn't stop you from realizing the benefits that dedicated winter and summer tires offer.
A Great Solution for Storing Tires
Many tire retailers now offer great, low-cost options for customers with dedicated winter and summer tires through a tire valet storage service. Drivers can bring their vehicle in to a local tire retailer to have winter tires installed and their summer (or all-season tires) stored over the winter months. Besides the added convenience at a very reasonable cost, the benefits include:
* Off season tire and wheel cleaning
* Off season tire and wheel storage in a protective bag
* Installation of winter tires in the winter and summer tires in the spring at local retail stores
The tire valet service is great for customers who want the added performance that dedicated winter tires bring, but don't want the hassle of cleaning and making room for the off-season tires. It also means the tires will receive the proper storage year round.
Tires that aren't in use need to be protected. A tire that is exposed to high temperatures or certain elements risk suffering accelerated aging and idle tires can deteriorate because of natural aging and oxidation. Tire retailers offer the proper way to store idle tires in the off season to avoid these problems.
Proper Procedures for Storing Tires
* Give each tire a thorough cleaning - Storing tires off-site at a tire retailer guarantees that each tire will be as dry and clean as possible. Carefully cleaning all the moisture, dirt, grime and brake dust is a must before letting tires sit for a few months.
* Ensure there is no excess weight on the tires - If you have tires in your garage, you may be strapped for space and lay items like golf clubs or heavy items on them while they aren't in use. Excess weight could damage the structure and integrity of the tire.
* Store tires in a protective bag - To limit exposure to oxygen and ozone, store each tire in an individual opaque and airtight bag. Tire retailers offer this as part of the winter valet service.
* Keep idle tires out of direct sunlight - Ensure the tires are in a reasonable temperature. In the winter you might not think it would get that hot, but any kind of direct sun exposure can heat up the tires significantly and damage the rubber.
* Stack tires properly - Tires should be stored in an upright position to prevent distortion or disfiguration. Tire retailers have the right space to store your tires in the upright position.
A garage is the obvious choice for storage, but it isn't necessarily the ideal place to store tires. A temperate controlled facility is much better because it remains dry and the less moisture and temperature fluctuation (including humidity) is good for the idle tires.
If you're investing in winter tires or summer tires don't cut corners when it comes to storing your off season tires. Tire retailers are naturally equipped to store tires and with their tire storage services, or tire valet service, it's all handled for you at a low cost.
Author Resource:-
Steve Julius is a business professional with a passion and love for writing and sharing stories. For more information on car care tips on custom wheels, alignments, brakes, batteries, oil and lube, shocks & struts, windshield repair and replacement, and more find out more at http://www.belletire.com.
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