Putting your beloved car into storage, whether for the winter season or a longer period, brings a unique set of considerations. You’ve likely thought about the battery, the fuel, and the cover, but have you considered what to use for tire support during car storage? It’s a detail often overlooked, yet crucial for preventing costly damage. Many owners face the frustrating discovery of flat-spotted or degraded tires when they retrieve their vehicle, turning the excitement of driving again into a headache involving replacements or repairs. The constant pressure on one spot and environmental factors can wreak havoc on your tires while they sit idle.
For effective tire support during car storage, use specialized products like flat stoppers (tire savers), tire cradles, or dense rubber mats placed under each wheel. These distribute the vehicle’s weight evenly, preventing flat spots and protecting the rubber. Alternatively, removing the wheels and storing them on a dedicated tire rack is also a highly recommended option.
Don’t let tire damage spoil your car storage plans. This guide draws on best practices and expert recommendations to help you understand why tire support is vital and explore the most effective solutions available. We’ll cover everything from the risks of improper storage to the best products and preparation steps, ensuring your tires remain in top condition, ready to roll whenever you are.
Key Facts:
* Flat Spot Risk: Tires can develop temporary or even permanent flat spots in as little as 30 days of static storage under vehicle weight, especially in fluctuating temperatures. (Source: General Tire Industry Knowledge)
* Concrete Damage: Storing tires directly on concrete can accelerate degradation, as concrete leaches moisture and chemicals that harm rubber compounds. (Source: Tire Manufacturer Guidelines)
* Pressure Loss: Tires naturally lose air pressure over time (1-3 PSI per month is common), increasing the risk of underinflation damage and flat spots during storage. (Source: Tire Safety Organizations)
* UV and Ozone Damage: Exposure to direct sunlight (UV rays) and ozone (often generated by electric motors) significantly degrades tire rubber, causing cracking and brittleness. (Source: Rubber Chemistry Resources)
* Cost of Neglect: Replacing a set of tires due to storage-induced damage can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, far exceeding the cost of preventative support measures. (Source: Automotive Repair Cost Data)
Why is Proper Tire Support Crucial During Car Storage?
Proper tire support during car storage prevents flat spots caused by prolonged pressure on one area. It maintains tire structural integrity, avoids uneven wear upon driving, and protects rubber compounds from environmental degradation, ultimately extending tire lifespan and ensuring safety. Leaving a vehicle stationary for extended periods puts immense, continuous pressure on the small contact patch of each tire. Without support, this pressure leads to deformation and potential damage that can affect both performance and safety when you eventually drive the car.
Think about it: your car’s entire weight rests on four relatively small patches of rubber. When the car sits motionless for weeks or months, the section of the tire touching the ground flattens under the load. This isn’t just a temporary issue; it can lead to persistent problems that compromise the tire’s integrity and your driving experience. Beyond flat spots, the storage environment itself poses risks that proper support and preparation can mitigate.
Understanding Flat Spots and Tire Deformation
Flat spots occur when the portion of the tire resting on the ground loses its round shape due to the sustained weight of the stationary vehicle. The tire compound essentially takes a “set” in that flattened position. When you start driving again, these flat spots can cause noticeable vibrations and thumping sounds, especially at higher speeds. While minor flat spots might work themselves out after driving allows the tires to heat up and regain flexibility, severe or permanent flat spots can necessitate tire replacement. This deformation compromises the tire’s internal structure and leads to uneven wear patterns over time.
Environmental Risks to Stored Tires
Beyond the physical pressure, the storage environment itself can harm your tires:
- Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme heat and cold cycles can accelerate the aging process of rubber compounds, making them more prone to cracking.
- Humidity and Moisture: Damp environments, especially direct contact with moist concrete floors, can degrade rubber and potentially corrode wheel rims. Concrete can leach moisture and oils harmful to tires.
- UV Rays and Ozone: Direct sunlight exposes tires to damaging UV rays, while ozone (present in the air, especially near electric motors) attacks rubber at a molecular level. Both lead to dryness, cracking, and reduced elasticity.
- Chemical Exposure: Storing tires near solvents, fuels, lubricants, or other chemicals can cause rubber degradation.
Using appropriate tire support often involves creating a barrier between the tire and potentially harmful surfaces like concrete, adding another layer of protection.
What Should You Use for Tire Support During Car Storage?
Use flat stoppers, tire cradles, inflatable cushions, or rubber mats under each wheel for effective tire support during car storage. These distribute weight, prevent flat spots, and protect tires. Alternatively, remove wheels and store them on racks. The best choice depends on your budget, storage duration, tire type, and convenience preferences. Each option works by either distributing the load over a larger area or conforming to the tire’s natural shape, preventing the localized pressure that causes flat spots.
Let’s break down the most popular and effective solutions:
Flat Stoppers (Tire Savers)
Flat stoppers are supports placed under each tire, typically made of dense foam or viscoelastic polymer. They prevent flat spots by evenly distributing the vehicle’s weight across a wider, slightly curved surface, making them easy to use and ideal for long-term car storage. Often shaped like small ramps, you simply drive the car onto them. Their design cradles the bottom portion of the tire, preventing it from flattening under load.
- Advantages: Easy to use (drive-on), effective for long-term storage, relatively affordable, prevents direct contact with the floor.
- How to Use: Place one flat stopper in front of each tire and slowly drive the vehicle onto them until each tire rests securely in the scooped-out section. Ensure the tires are clean and properly inflated before positioning.
- Considerations: Ensure you get the right size for your tire width. Quality varies, with higher-density materials offering better long-term support. Popular brands include FlatStoppers by Race Ramps.
Key Takeaway: Flat stoppers (tire savers) are a user-friendly and highly effective way to prevent flat spots by distributing weight evenly. They are a go-to choice for many car enthusiasts during storage.
Tire Cradles
Tire cradles are curved supports matching the tire’s natural shape. They prevent deformation, protect against temperature changes from the floor, and are particularly beneficial for performance or low-profile tires during storage. Simply position under clean, dry tires. Unlike flat stoppers that create a slightly flat but wide base, tire cradles aim to maintain the tire’s natural curvature perfectly.
- Advantages: Excellent shape maintenance, offers some thermal insulation from cold floors, ideal for sensitive performance or low-profile tires.
- How to Use: Position a cradle under each tire. You may need to jack the car slightly to place them accurately or carefully drive onto low-profile versions. Ensure the tire sits perfectly centered in the cradle’s curve.
- Considerations: Can be slightly more expensive than basic flat stoppers. Ensure the cradle size matches your tire diameter and width. Examples include the TireCradle® brand.
Tire Mats
Tire mats are pads placed under tires, often made of rubber or dense cushioning material. They provide a barrier against cold, damp concrete floors, reducing moisture buildup and preventing direct contact. They are an affordable option, especially for shorter storage periods. While they offer less structural support than stoppers or cradles, they provide crucial protection against floor-related damage.
- Advantages: Affordable, provides a moisture and temperature barrier, prevents direct concrete contact.
- How to Use: Place a mat under the resting position of each tire. Drive the car onto the mats.
- Considerations: Offers minimal flat spot prevention compared to stoppers or cradles. Best used for shorter storage durations or in combination with other methods like slight over-inflation. Look for thick, non-absorbent rubber mats.
Inflatable Tire Cushions
Inflatable tire cushions, sometimes called inflatable tire savers, are another option. These are placed under the tires and inflated to provide support.
- Advantages: Adjustable firmness by varying air pressure, potentially good portability.
- How to Use: Place deflated cushions under tires, then inflate to the recommended pressure.
- Considerations: Requires maintaining air pressure, potential for leaks over long periods, might be less stable than solid options. Cover Company USA notes these as an effective way to prevent flat spots.
Tire Racks (for Off-Vehicle Storage)
Tire racks are used when storing wheels off the vehicle. They keep tires off the ground, save space, and prevent damage. Store unmounted tires vertically and mounted tires horizontally (stacked limitedly) in a cool, dry place. If you have the space and are willing to remove the wheels, this method completely eliminates the vehicle’s weight from the tires.
- Advantages: Completely removes vehicle weight, saves garage floor space (especially wall-mounted racks), promotes good air circulation around tires.
- How to Use: Remove wheels from the vehicle. Store them on a rack according to type:
- Unmounted Tires: Store vertically, standing on their tread. Rotate occasionally.
- Mounted Tires (on rims): Store horizontally (stacked, limit height to avoid deforming bottom tire) or hang them from hooks through the rim (as Goodyear suggests for optimal storage).
- Considerations: Requires effort to remove and reinstall wheels. Racks take up wall or floor space. Essential to store in a proper environment (cool, dry, dark). Garage Living highlights wall-mounted racks as ideal.
What Other Steps Help Protect Tires During Storage?
Clean tires thoroughly before storage, inflate slightly above recommended PSI, avoid direct contact with concrete, and store in a cool, dry, dark place away from ozone sources. If possible, rotate tires periodically or use a climate-controlled facility for best results. Using tire supports is crucial, but combining them with proper preparation and environmental control maximizes protection.
Think of tire supports as the main defense, but these additional steps act as vital reinforcements:
Cleaning and Preparation
Before placing your car (and tires) into storage, give the tires a thorough cleaning. Use mild soap and water with a tire brush to remove dirt, grime, brake dust, and any road chemicals. These contaminants can degrade rubber over time. Rinse thoroughly and, most importantly, ensure the tires are completely dry before storage or placing them onto supports or into storage bags. Avoid applying tire dressings; some products contain chemicals that can accelerate degradation during storage, according to Garage Living and Goodyear guidelines.
Maintaining Air Pressure
Tires naturally lose air over time. Before storage, inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, or even slightly above it (e.g., 3-5 PSI higher, but don’t exceed the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall). This extra pressure helps the tire maintain its shape and compensates for the slow, natural air loss that will occur during the storage period. Check the pressure periodically if possible.
Ideal Storage Environment
Where you store the car matters significantly:
- Temperature: Choose a cool, stable environment. Avoid extreme heat or freezing temperatures.
- Moisture: Keep tires dry. Avoid damp basements or storing directly on concrete, which can transmit moisture. Use a barrier like rubber mats, wood, or dedicated supports if concrete is unavoidable.
- Light: Protect tires from direct sunlight (UV rays). Garage storage is ideal. If storing outdoors is necessary, use opaque, UV-resistant tire covers.
- Ozone: Keep tires away from sources of ozone, such as electric motors (sump pumps, furnaces, generators), as ozone rapidly degrades rubber.
Periodic Rotation (If Applicable)
If you are storing the vehicle for a very long time (many months or years) and not using tire supports like FlatStoppers or cradles, it’s theoretically beneficial to move the vehicle occasionally (e.g., every couple of months) to change the tire’s resting position. However, using proper tire supports largely negates the need for this step, as they prevent the flat spot from forming in the first place. If tires are stored off the vehicle vertically, rotating them periodically (e.g., a quarter turn monthly) is recommended.
Can Combining Tire Support Solutions Offer Better Protection?
Yes, combining tire support methods enhances protection, especially for valuable or sensitive tires. Use flat stoppers or cradles in conjunction with climate control for high-performance tires. For budget-friendly options, pair rubber mats with proper inflation and cleaning. Storing removed wheels on racks in protective bags within a controlled environment is also highly effective. Layering protection addresses multiple risk factors simultaneously.
Consider these scenarios:
- Maximum Protection (Performance/Classic Cars): Use high-quality tire cradles or flat stoppers to maintain shape, place the vehicle in a climate-controlled storage facility (controlling temperature and humidity), and ensure tires are perfectly clean and properly inflated. Using breathable tire covers can add protection against dust.
- Standard Garage Storage: Combine flat stoppers or cradles with thorough cleaning and slight over-inflation. If the floor is concrete, the supports themselves act as a barrier. Ensure the garage is relatively dry and dark.
- Budget-Conscious Storage: Use thick rubber mats as a barrier against concrete, ensure tires are clean and slightly over-inflated, and cover tires if exposed to light. This focuses on mitigating environmental risks when specialized supports aren’t used.
- Off-Vehicle Storage: Store cleaned wheels/tires on a tire rack in a cool, dry, dark location. Place each tire in a specialty tire storage bag (as suggested by Extra Space Storage) or opaque plastic bags (ensure tires are dry first) to protect against dust and light environmental factors. Quora users also mention bagging tires after applying protectant (though caution is advised with protectants during long storage).
Tip: Always prioritize addressing the primary cause of flat spots – the vehicle’s weight. Flat stoppers or cradles are generally more effective for this specific issue than mats alone.
FAQs About Tire Support for Car Storage
What should I put under my tires when storing my car?
Place flat stoppers (tire savers), tire cradles, or thick rubber mats under each tire. These distribute weight to prevent flat spots and/or create a barrier between the tire and the floor surface, especially concrete.
How do I stop my tires from getting flat spots in storage?
Use tire supports like flat stoppers or cradles, inflate tires to the recommended pressure (or slightly higher), and ideally, store the vehicle in a cool, consistent temperature environment. Removing wheels and storing them on racks also prevents flat spots.
Are tire ramps (FlatStoppers) worth it for car storage?
Yes, for many owners, FlatStoppers or similar tire saver ramps are worth the investment. They are highly effective at preventing flat spots during long-term storage, easy to use, and help protect the significant investment you have in your tires.
Is it better to store a car on jack stands or use tire supports?
Using tire supports (like cradles or flat stoppers) is generally preferred over jack stands for long-term storage. Storing on jack stands lifts the suspension, potentially leaving components hanging at unnatural angles for extended periods, which could strain bushings or other parts. Tire supports keep the suspension loaded naturally while protecting the tires.
Do I need to overinflate tires for winter storage?
Slightly overinflating tires (e.g., 3-5 PSI above the recommended pressure, but not exceeding the max sidewall pressure) is recommended for storage. This helps compensate for natural air loss over time and provides extra rigidity against flat spotting.
Should car tires be stored flat or upright when off the vehicle?
Unmounted tires (no rims) should be stored upright (standing on tread). Mounted tires (on rims) are best stored horizontally (stacked, limit height) or hung by the rim. Storing unmounted tires flat can deform the sidewalls.
What’s the difference between FlatStoppers and Tire Cradles?
FlatStoppers typically create a wider, flatter contact patch to distribute weight, while Tire Cradles aim to perfectly match the tire’s natural curve. Cradles might offer better shape preservation, especially for performance tires, while FlatStoppers are often easier to drive onto.
Can I just use pieces of wood under my tires for storage?
While pieces of wood provide a barrier against concrete, they do little to prevent flat spots as they don’t distribute weight effectively over a larger or curved area. Dedicated tire supports are much better for preventing deformation. Thick rubber mats are a better alternative than plain wood.
How long can a car sit before tires get flat spots?
Flat spots can begin forming in as little as a month, sometimes sooner in colder temperatures or with heavier vehicles. The severity depends on tire pressure, temperature, tire construction, and storage duration. Prevention is key.
Do tire covers help during storage?
Yes, opaque tire covers help protect tires from UV light damage and dust, especially if the storage area isn’t completely dark or is prone to dust. Ensure tires are clean and dry before covering. Specialty tire storage bags can also help maintain shape and protect from elements.
What is the best surface to store tires on directly?
Ideally, tires should not be stored directly on any surface long-term, especially under vehicle load. If stored off the vehicle, a dedicated tire rack is best. If under load, use tire supports. Avoid direct contact with concrete, asphalt, gravel, or surfaces contaminated with oils/solvents.
Summary: Protecting Your Tires During Storage
To protect tires during storage, use supports like flat stoppers or cradles to prevent flat spots caused by vehicle weight. Always clean tires thoroughly, maintain proper inflation (slightly overinflated is often best), avoid direct contact with damaging surfaces like concrete, and choose a cool, dry, dark storage environment. Taking these steps preserves tire integrity, extends their lifespan, and ensures they are safe and ready for the road when storage ends.
Here’s a quick recap of best practices:
- Support is Key: Use FlatStoppers, Tire Cradles, or similar devices to combat flat spots.
- Clean & Dry: Remove damaging contaminants before storage.
- Proper Pressure: Inflate to recommended levels, potentially slightly higher.
- Environment Matters: Opt for cool, dry, dark locations away from ozone and chemicals.
- Barrier Up: Avoid direct contact with concrete or potentially damp surfaces; use mats or supports.
- Consider Off-Vehicle: Tire racks offer excellent protection if removing wheels is feasible.
- Combine Methods: Layering techniques (e.g., supports + covers + proper inflation) provides comprehensive protection.
Investing a small amount of time and potentially money in proper tire support can save you significant hassle and expense down the road. Don’t let neglected tires deflate your driving enjoyment!
What are your go-to methods for storing tires? Share your tips or questions in the comments below!
