Don't just leave your tyres lying around in a corner - that won't make them last any longer!

Before you change tyres, first use chalk to mark the directional orientation and the position of each individual tyre on the vehicle (e.g. FL - front left, BR - back right). Then give the tyre a thorough cleaning and remove any bits of gravel. Tyres should be stored in a dry, cool, dark room where there are no traces of oil, petrol, grease or chemicals, as these can all attack the rubber compound and drastically reduce the life of your tyres.

Tyres with rims should under no circumstances be stored upright. They should be hung up or laid flat (ideally on a wooden pallet).

Tyres without rims, on the other hand, should be stored vertically and turned slightly every four weeks to avoid pressure points. Avoid hanging or stacking tyres without rims.

How to save yourself all this effort:

For a relatively small charge, many specialist tyre dealers will look after your tyres for you, thereby ensuring they are correctly stored.Before you put your tyres back into service, you should check that they are not damaged or worn, ensure they have sufficient tread depth and do not suffer any imbalance - this is a service all specialist tyre dealers offer and prevents uneven tyre wear.