How to Properly Store a Spare Tire (If Not Mounted on the Vehicle)

If your spare tire isn’t mounted on your vehicle — for example, if it’s stored in your garage, shed, trunk, or kept as a backup — the way you store it has a major impact on how long it lasts. Tires can dry-rot, crack, and weaken even when they never touch the road, especially if they’re stored incorrectly.

Here’s how to properly store a spare tire to keep it safe, healthy, and ready when you need it.

Keep the Spare Tire Indoors Whenever Possible

Indoor storage is always best.

Ideal locations:

• Garage

• Basement

• Closet

• Utility room

• Storage shelf

Indoor spaces protect tires from:

• Sunlight

• Heat

• Rain

• Humidity

• Snow

• Dust

• Extreme temperature swings

Rubber lasts much longer indoors than outside.

Keep Tires Away From Sunlight

UV rays break down rubber even when the tire is sitting still.

Never store tires:

• Outside in direct sunlight

• Near windows

• In areas with sun leaks

• Under skylights

UV exposure causes dry rot and hardening — even if the tire is unused.

Store in a Cool, Dry Environment

Heat and moisture accelerate rubber aging.

Best conditions:

• Cool room temperature

• Low humidity

• Clean, dry air

Avoid storing tires:

• In attics

• In hot sheds

• Near heaters

• Near water heaters

• Near furnaces

• Near running dryers

Extreme heat can drastically shorten tire lifespan.

Keep Tires Away From Ozone Sources

Ozone reacts with rubber and causes cracking.

Avoid storing tires near:

• Electric motors

• Generators

• Air compressors

• Furnaces

• Refrigerators

• Dehumidifiers

• Sump pumps

These appliances create ozone that damages tire rubber over time.

Clean the Tire Before Storing It

Before long-term storage:

1. Rinse off dirt and debris

2. Use mild soap and water

3. Dry thoroughly

4. Avoid petroleum-based cleaners

Clean rubber ages slower and develops fewer cracks.

Store Tires Vertically (Preferred Method)

If space allows, store spare tires standing upright, not flat.

Vertical storage helps prevent:

• Sidewall stress

• Flat-spotting

• Structural deformation

Rotate the tire slightly every month or two for best results.

If Storing Horizontally, Use a Protective Barrier

If you must stack or lay the tire flat:

• Place cardboard or a clean cloth under it

• Avoid stacking more than 3–4 tires high

• Rotate the stack occasionally

Never stack heavy weights on top of a tire — it can deform the rubber and belts.

Use Tire Bags or Covers for Extra Protection

Protective bags or covers help shield the tire from:

• Dust

• Moisture

• UV leaks

• Ozone

• Chemicals

• Dirt

You can use:

• A tire storage bag

• A tarp

• A high-quality vinyl cover

• A breathable cover

A SpareCover® is perfect if the tire is stored outside or partially exposed.

Keep Tires Off the Ground When Possible

Use:

• Shelves

• Pallets

• Racks

• Rubber mats

Keeping tires off concrete prevents:

• Moisture absorption

• Heat transfer

• Surface staining

This helps the rubber last longer.

Avoid Storing Tires Near Chemicals

Keep tires away from:

• Solvents

• Oils

• Gasoline

• Paint

• Cleaning chemicals

These fumes can seep into the rubber and weaken it.

How Long Can You Store a Spare Tire?

Even stored perfectly, rubber still ages.

General rules:

• Under 6 years → Usually safe

• 6–10 years → Inspect carefully

• Over 10 years → Replace

A tire ages based on time, not mileage — even in perfect storage.

Final Thoughts: Proper Storage Keeps Your Spare Safe for Years

Storing a spare tire correctly is one of the simplest ways to keep it safe, flexible, and ready for emergencies. Whether indoors or outdoors, proper storage prevents dry rot, cracking, swelling, and early aging.

If your spare must be stored outside or partially exposed, a durable SpareCover® gives you the strongest protection against sunlight, weather, and long-term damage.

Protect your spare now — so it’s ready when you truly need it.