How to Store Spare Tyres and Alloy Wheels Safely

If you own a spare set of tyres or alloy wheels, you’ll know how much space they can take up.

Four tyres stacked in the garage might not seem like a major problem at first. But add a bicycle, lawnmower, tools and other household belongings, and suddenly there’s barely enough room to move around.

For drivers who change between summer and winter tyres, storing the unused set can become a recurring challenge.

Others may have purchased replacement alloy wheels but want to keep their originals for the future.

Whatever the reason, proper tyre and wheel storage can help protect their condition while freeing up valuable space at home.

SecureStore provides flexible self storage across Bury, Manchester, Failsworth and Salford, with options for suitable household and vehicle-related belongings.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to prepare spare tyres and wheels for storage, how to position them correctly and what to check before using them again.

Why Do People Need to Store Spare Tyres?

There are several common reasons why drivers keep an additional set of tyres or wheels.

Seasonal Tyre Changes

Some motorists use different tyres depending on the season.

When one set is fitted, the other needs somewhere suitable to be kept.

Replacement Alloy Wheels

You might have upgraded your vehicle’s wheels but want to retain the original set.

Keeping original wheels can sometimes be useful when selling or returning a vehicle.

Spare Wheels for Another Vehicle

Some households own additional wheels for a second car or a vehicle that’s temporarily off the road.

Garage Space

Tyres are bulky, awkward to move and difficult to store neatly.

Removing an unused set from the garage can create more space for everyday belongings.

1. Check Whether Your Tyres Are Worth Keeping

Before arranging storage, inspect the tyres.

There’s little benefit in paying to store tyres that are already unsuitable for use.

Look for:

Visible cracks
Cuts or bulges
Uneven wear
Embedded objects
Damage to the sidewalls
Signs of deterioration

Check tread depth and tyre age.

If you’re uncertain about their condition, ask a qualified tyre professional to inspect them.

2. Understand Tyre Age

Tyres can deteriorate over time, even when they aren’t being driven on.

The manufacturing date is generally shown on the sidewall as part of the tyre identification markings.

For many tyres, a four-digit date code indicates the week and year of manufacture.

For example, 2324 indicates manufacture in week 23 of 2024.

However, age alone doesn’t establish whether a tyre is safe.

Its condition, history, storage conditions and manufacturer’s recommendations also matter.

For UK tyre safety information, visit:

tyresafe.org

3. Clean Tyres Before Storage

Tyres can collect road dirt, grit and other residues.

Before storing them, clean them using a method recommended by the manufacturer.

Remove loose dirt and allow the tyres to dry thoroughly.

Avoid applying unsuitable chemicals or dressings before storage.

Products that make tyres look shiny aren’t necessarily appropriate for long-term preservation.

4. Remove Stones and Debris

Check the tread grooves for trapped stones and other debris.

Remove loose material carefully without damaging the rubber.

If you notice nails, screws or other embedded objects, seek professional advice rather than attempting an unsafe repair.

5. Make Sure Tyres Are Completely Dry

Moisture can cause problems, particularly when tyres are fitted to metal wheels.

Before packing, ensure both tyres and wheel surfaces are dry.

Don’t place wet wheels into tightly sealed packaging.

6. Store Tyres Away From Direct Sunlight

Ultraviolet light can contribute to rubber deterioration.

Tyres should generally be kept away from prolonged direct sunlight.

Choose storage conditions that follow the tyre manufacturer’s recommendations.

7. Avoid Excessive Heat

High temperatures can accelerate the ageing of rubber.

Avoid storing tyres near boilers, radiators or other heat sources.

Temperature fluctuations may also affect storage suitability.

Before booking a storage unit, check whether the environment meets the manufacturer’s requirements.

8. Keep Tyres Away From Certain Chemicals

Rubber can be affected by contact with some oils, solvents and chemicals.

Keep tyres away from substances that could cause damage.

Hazardous and flammable chemicals may also be prohibited in ordinary self storage units.

Confirm SecureStore’s storage rules before bringing any vehicle-related materials to the facility.

9. How to Store Tyres Without Rims

Tyres that aren’t fitted to wheels may require a different storage arrangement from complete wheel assemblies.

Manufacturers commonly recommend storing unmounted tyres upright, supported appropriately, rather than stacking them flat for extended periods.

They may also recommend periodically changing their position.

Follow the specific tyre manufacturer’s guidance.

Avoid hanging unmounted tyres from hooks where this could distort their shape.

10. How to Store Tyres Mounted on Alloy Wheels

Complete wheel and tyre assemblies are generally handled differently.

Depending on manufacturer guidance, they may be stored horizontally in suitable stacks or suspended using appropriate supports.

Avoid arrangements that place damaging pressure on the tyres or wheels.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions before choosing a storage method.

11. Protect Alloy Wheel Finishes

Alloy wheels can be scratched or damaged during handling.

Before storage:

Clean the wheels appropriately.
Dry them thoroughly.
Inspect for existing damage.
Use suitable protective materials.
Avoid direct contact between decorative wheel faces.
Store them securely.

Wheel bags or suitable separators may help protect the finish.

12. Don’t Stack Wheels Without Protection

If the manufacturer permits horizontal stacking, protect wheel faces from direct contact.

Use suitable separators or purpose-made wheel storage accessories.

Avoid unstable stacks.

Heavy wheel assemblies can cause injury if they fall.

13. Label Each Wheel

If you’re storing a complete set, label the wheels before removal.

For example:

Front left
Front right
Rear left
Rear right

This provides a record of their previous positions.

However, the correct positions when refitting should be determined by tyre specifications, tread direction, vehicle requirements and professional advice.

Don’t assume each tyre must automatically return to its previous location.

14. Record Tyre Specifications

Keep a note of the tyre details.

These may include:

Manufacturer
Model
Size
Load rating
Speed rating
Manufacturing date
Approximate tread depth

You can also photograph the sidewall markings.

This information may be useful when deciding whether the tyres are suitable for future use.

15. Check Directional Tyres

Some tyres have directional tread patterns.

These are designed to rotate in a particular direction.

Look for directional markings on the sidewall.

When refitting tyres, ensure they are installed correctly.

A qualified tyre fitter can check the requirements.

16. What About Different Front and Rear Tyre Sizes?

Some vehicles use different tyre sizes on the front and rear axles.

This is sometimes known as a staggered wheel setup.

If your vehicle uses different sizes, label and record them carefully.

Do not assume all four wheels are interchangeable.

17. Should You Reduce Tyre Pressure Before Storage?

For complete wheel assemblies, follow the tyre and vehicle manufacturer’s storage recommendations.

Don’t automatically deflate tyres before storing them.

Tyre pressure requirements can vary depending on how the wheels are stored and whether they’re fitted to a vehicle.

Before refitting, pressures must be checked and adjusted to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.

18. Use Suitable Wheel Bags

Purpose-made wheel bags can make tyres easier to organise and may help keep surrounding areas clean.

However, bags should only be used with clean, dry wheels and in accordance with manufacturer guidance.

Avoid trapping moisture inside unsuitable packaging.

19. Keep Tyres Away From Electrical Equipment That Produces Ozone

Certain electrical equipment can generate ozone, which may contribute to rubber deterioration.

Tyre manufacturers commonly recommend keeping stored tyres away from ozone-producing equipment.

Follow the relevant manufacturer guidance when selecting a storage environment.

20. Don’t Store Tyres Where They Could Fall

Tyres and wheel assemblies are heavy.

An unstable stack can create a safety risk.

Keep storage arrangements secure and avoid placing wheels where they could roll or fall.

Do not block access routes.

21. How Much Space Does a Set of Four Tyres Need?

The space required depends on the tyre dimensions and whether the tyres are mounted on wheels.

A set of compact car tyres will generally require less space than large SUV wheels.

Before booking storage:

Measure the overall tyre diameter.
Measure the width.
Confirm whether the tyres are mounted.
Check the recommended storage orientation.
Allow for safe access.
Consider protective packaging.

SecureStore can discuss available unit sizes based on your requirements.

22. Can You Store Tyres in a Garage?

A garage may be suitable if it provides appropriate conditions.

However, some garages are exposed to temperature fluctuations, sunlight or moisture.

Garages may also contain chemicals or equipment that should not be kept close to tyres.

Check whether the space meets the tyre manufacturer’s storage recommendations.

If your garage is overcrowded or unsuitable, a separate storage arrangement may be worth considering.

23. What About Storing Tyres in a Shed?

Sheds can experience significant changes in temperature and humidity.

Some also allow sunlight through windows or gaps.

Before storing tyres in a shed, consider the environmental conditions and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

24. Seasonal Tyre Storage

If you change tyres seasonally, organisation is particularly important.

Create a simple routine.

Before Storage

Inspect the tyres.
Check tread depth.
Record their positions.
Clean them.
Allow them to dry.
Pack them appropriately.

Before Refitting

Inspect them again.
Check for deterioration.
Confirm specifications.
Have them fitted correctly.
Check pressures.
Ensure they’re safe and legal for road use.

This helps make seasonal changes more straightforward.

25. UK Tyre Tread Depth Rules

For most cars in Great Britain, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread around the entire circumference.

However, a tyre can be unsafe even when its tread depth meets the legal minimum.

Damage, deterioration and other defects also matter.

For current requirements, consult:

gov.uk/check-vehicle-safe

26. Don’t Store Unsafe Tyres for Future Use

If a tyre has been declared unsafe, don’t keep it with the intention of refitting it later.

Arrange appropriate disposal or recycling.

If you’re uncertain about a tyre’s condition, seek professional advice.

27. Can Old Tyres Be Recycled?

Yes, tyres can be recycled through appropriate authorised routes.

Tyres should not simply be placed in ordinary household rubbish.

Some tyre retailers and garages offer disposal services.

Check your local arrangements and any applicable charges.

28. Storing Spare Wheels When Selling a Car

If you’ve fitted aftermarket wheels, you may want to keep the original set.

Original wheels may be useful when selling the vehicle or returning it at the end of a lease.

Before deciding, consider:

The wheels’ condition
Their replacement cost
The likelihood of needing them
The cost of storage
Any lease return requirements

29. Photograph Your Wheels Before Storage

Take photographs showing:

All four wheels
Tyre tread
Sidewall markings
Alloy wheel faces
Existing scratches or damage

These photographs can help you maintain an accurate record.

30. Consider Insurance

A complete set of wheels and tyres can be expensive to replace.

SecureStore offers storage insurance options.

Speak to the team about the items you intend to store and their value.

Check whether your existing vehicle or contents insurance covers wheels stored away from the vehicle.

31. Are Tyres Allowed in Self Storage?

Acceptance depends on the storage provider’s rules and the nature of the items.

Tyres may be restricted at some facilities because of fire safety and other considerations.

Do not assume that loose tyres or complete wheel sets are automatically permitted at SecureStore.

Contact the team before bringing them to a site.

The facility must confirm whether your specific items are acceptable.

32. Choosing the Right Storage Unit

If SecureStore confirms that your tyres or wheels are permitted, consider:

Unit size
Storage conditions
Access arrangements
Weight and handling
Packaging
Insurance
Storage duration

Our team can discuss the available options.

33. Removal + Storage for Suitable Belongings

A complete set of wheels can be awkward to transport.

SecureStore provides Removal + Storage for suitable belongings.

If tyres or wheel assemblies are accepted for storage, ask whether transportation assistance is available.

Any collection arrangement is subject to confirmation.

Ask About SecureStore’s Introductory Offers

SecureStore previously introduced a limited two-week flash promotion offering eligible customers their first month of storage for £1.

If you need additional storage space, ask whether this promotion or another introductory offer is currently available.

All offers are subject to eligibility, availability and applicable terms.

How to Book Your Unit With SecureStore

If you’re considering storage for spare tyres or alloy wheels:

Check whether the tyres are worth keeping.
Inspect them for visible damage.
Record their specifications.
Clean and dry them.
Follow manufacturer storage instructions.
Measure the complete set.
Contact SecureStore to confirm whether the tyres or wheels are permitted.
Discuss suitable unit sizes and conditions.
Ask about insurance and any available transport assistance.
Confirm current prices and introductory offers.

Call: 0161 470 0288

Email: info@securestoreselfstorage.co.uk

Visit: 574 Manchester Road, Bury

Locations: Bury | Manchester | Failsworth | Salford

Our team can confirm permitted items, unit availability and storage terms.

Reclaim Your Garage Without Neglecting Your Wheels

A spare set of tyres or alloy wheels can occupy a surprising amount of space.

But leaving them exposed to unsuitable conditions can affect their condition and potentially their safety.

By inspecting tyres before storage, following manufacturer recommendations and protecting alloy wheels from damage, you can make a more informed decision about where to keep them.

If your garage is becoming overcrowded, SecureStore can discuss suitable storage options for your belongings.

Contact SecureStore on 0161 470 0288 or email info@securestoreselfstorage.co.uk to check whether your wheel or tyre set can be accommodated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store spare tyres in a self storage unit?

It depends on the facility’s rules. Tyres may be restricted for fire safety and other reasons. Contact SecureStore for confirmation before bringing tyres or wheels to the site.

Should tyres be stored upright or flat?

Unmounted tyres are commonly stored upright, while tyres mounted on wheels may have different recommended arrangements. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance.

Can I stack alloy wheels on top of each other?

Some complete wheel assemblies may be stacked if the manufacturer permits it and appropriate protection and support are used. Avoid unstable stacks or direct contact that could damage the wheels.

How long can tyres be kept in storage?

There is no single safe storage period for every tyre. Age, condition, environment and manufacturer guidance all matter. Have tyres assessed before returning them to use.

Does SecureStore offer short-term storage?

SecureStore offers flexible storage options. Contact the team about available terms, suitable unit sizes and whether your particular belongings are accepted.