Correct Tyre Storage and Tyre Care

Having several sets of tyres because of changing between summer and winter tyres instead of using all-season tyres, leads to the problem of the correct tyre storage . You can leave it to experts by letting the tyres store in a workshop or at one of our tyre fitters. Storing them in the own cellar or garage is an option as well. However, some things should be taken into account.

Storage Location and Tyre Tree

Increase the pressure of the tyres by 0.5 bar at first. Choose a dry and cool storage location. In addition, the tyres should be protected from UV light. Remove any foreign objects in the tread and mark the tyres with BR (back right), FL (front left), etc. If the tyres are on rims, the complete wheels can be stacked on top of each other. Using a tyre tree / rim tree is possible as well. If the tyres are not mounted on rims, they have to be stored next to each other. Rotate the tyres every now and then and make sure that there are no aggressive liquids on the floor such as oil or gasoline. If they come into contact with the tyre, they will damage the rubber compound and the tyres are unusable.

Tyre Care

With proper care tyres can be used for several years. This includes the already mentioned removal of foreign bodies as well as checking them regarding damage. If there are any cuts or dents, you should buy new tyres or at least let an expert judge whether the tyre can be repaired.

Moreover, it is important to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm, which is legally fixes, but tyres should be replaced even at 3 mm - then you are on the safe side. The age of the tyre will affect the handling characteristics as well. The DOT number on the sidewall provides information on the production date - the first two digits are the calendar week, closely followed by the year of manufacturing. After about eight years, tyres should be replaced independently of the wear and tear.

Tyre storage tree

Winter Tyre Obligation in Europe

In some European countries winter tyres are obligatory under certain conditions, that are mostly related to the weather conditions or a specific period. While there are no legal requirements on these issues in countries like Albania or Malta, in countries like Germany driving without winter tyres is punishable. So you should check the rules just before the winter holidays. In some places, winter tyres are bound to speed limits, elsewhere snow chains may not be used.

Basically we can say, that countries with a lot of snow and high mountains have stricter rules as those in Southern Europe for example. But also Poland, the Netherlands and Ireland have no winter tyre obligation and spike tyres are even forbidden here. Because there are many exceptions and the rules differ from country to country, we have summarized the winter tyre obligation and regulations for snow chains and spike tyres for you.