Bill S.

I'll be changing over to winter wheels and tires soon (15" steel with Michelin Arctic Alpins from TireRack). Can't find definitive info on best way to store wheels with mounted tires over the winter. I have heard contradictory advice from different sources. Anyone really know?

Flat (stacked one on top of the other) or upright?
Keep normal inflation or let out some air?
Place in plastic bags or let air circulate?

Or, perhaps none of this really matters, which would explain why I am getting conflicting advice?

DavidG

Conside how fragile the wheels/tires would have to be for these distinctions to make much difference

kaz n.

I understand from various tire specialists that it is most important to stack the tires. This is to maintain the tires' roundness.

Otherwise storing them indoors at room temps is probably better than in the below freezing temps in your garage or shed.

I'm not sure about the bag issue, and most people I asked say it doesn't matter. I have mine in the bags just for the convenience. But then again, when you go to the tire stores, they have tires stacked without bags. That may be for "their" convenience, however.

If you can, wash the tires and wheels too. Especially important if they've laid road salt down already in your area.

John G

Pirelli recommends storing in opaque, waterproof containers (plastic trash bags)

Reggie

On the car the tires and wheels are seeing the worse conditions imaginable. Sitting in a darkened shed or garage has to be infinitely better - I can not imagine what a protection a bag will offer over just sitting around.

If the tires were outside - I guess I would say cover them - but I would not agee with a plastic bag - as they will trap moisture and not release it. Hence the tire will always be in moist dark climate - perfect for mold and fungus. I think a cotten or burlap wrap would be better - It would protect from dirt, and the sun, and would breath allowing moisture to escape when the rain stopped.