Whatever vehicle type you’re placing in long term car storage, preparing tyres for storage the right way is a step you can’t ignore. Here’s how we approach this all-important process at Windrush classic car storage.
When it comes to preparing tyres for storage, there’s a right way (and several wrong ones). While most seasoned owners are confident with the daily processes required to protect a high-value vehicle, the importance of proper tyre maintenance is too often overlooked. The good news is, it’s simple to rectify this, as if you learn a few tricks of the trade then preparing tyres for storage is one of the easiest wins around.
Don’t worry, there’s no need to remove the tyres entirely. But it’s worth noting that when a car is set to remain largely stationary for long periods – albeit with a leg-stretch every 60 days on Windrush’s internal rolling road if you store with us – you’ll need to take a slightly different approach than with day-to-day motoring.
As a central element of both our traditional and EV storage service, tyres are a big topic at Windrush. Whether you’re booking long term car storage, or resting your car at home, here’s our three-point plan for preparing tyres for storage.
#1. Eliminate ‘flat spotting’
Leaving a car stationary for anything longer than a couple of weeks – let alone placing it in long term car storage – risks the development of flat spots at the tread contact patch. There are three proven ways to avoid these. Placing the car on axle stands will relieve the bearings and tyres of their load, eliminating the problem – but it’s a time-consuming and even potentially dangerous solution that can damage suspension components if they’re left in an unnatural hanging state too long. As a good alternative, driving your car onto solid rubber tyre shoes will certainly hold your wheels in shape and prevent flat spotting.
However, in our team’s experience, the most effective tactic is to increase tyre pressures by 50% (to minimise the flatting effect) and roll the vehicle back and forth slightly at bi-weekly intervals, thus varying the contact points for tyres and bearings. When an owner arrives for long term car storage at Windrush, that’s exactly what we do for all classic car tyres. Keeping your vehicle PSI-optimised, mobile and in a natural state lets us easily exercise the vehicle in a fully maintained condition – so it’s always ready for departure, whenever the fancy takes you.
#2. Prevent sidewall damage
When preparing tyres for storage, it’s always worth keeping an eye on sidewalls: if perishing and cracks develop then the risk of a blowout increases, particularly when cornering. When a vehicle goes into long term car storage for a month-plus, owners should pay even closer attention to stop the rubber becoming dry and brittle, which could make the vehicle dangerous to drive. Fortunately, there are preventative steps to keep your classic car tyres healthy, even during long term car storage.
When it comes to preparing tyres for storage, the Windrush team always recommends keeping them out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Just like sunburn, UV rays attack the rubber, so an effective car cover should not only extend over the vehicle body but also protect most of the side of the wheel and tyre. With Windrush long term car storage, your vehicle gets its own dehumidified, climate-controlled indoor storage bay – keeping your classic car tyres safe from the elements and maintaining tyre health.
Finally, many owners choose to apply a rubber ‘feed’ to the sidewalls. This not only improves the look of the tyres but also protects the rubber, almost like applying hand moisturiser. But go carefully: getting this on the tyre tread will impair the vehicle’s road handling.
#3. Choose Windrush for classic, modern, supercar & EV storage
The advice above will give you a fighting chance of maintaining your tyres when resting your car at home. But to truly safeguard your pride and joy, nothing beats Windrush long term car storage. Offering the choice between state-of-the-art car storage in the Cotswolds and London car storage trusted by the capital’s most discerning owners, our top-to-bottom long term car storage solution sets the pace.
Following our unique twelve-step induction process – which includes preparing tyres for storage as above – your vehicle will be treated to its own individual storage bay, complete with round-the-clock security, twice-daily checks, weekly battery and drip tray inspections, plus an expert maintenance checkover every 60 days. With Windrush long term car storage, you’re in safe hands.
From expert electric car storage to the UK’s safest home for supercars, contact the Windrush team today on info@windrushcarstorage.co.uk
