It is common to see old tires piled up in the garage, leaving you tripping over them when you get into the house. But do you wish to guard your prized tires from mischief when they are not in active use? The remedy is clear – buy a good quality tire storage rack. In this ultimate guide to tire rack storage, you will learn all the important aspects of tire storage for a well-organized garage and well-maintained tires.
What is Tire Storage Racking?
Tire storage racking techniques is a general term that is used to describe racks and shelves that are used to store vehicle tires when they are off the car or truck. Tire racks enable you to store your tires in an organised manner and off the floor thus optimising on space in your garage or workshop. There are many types available to cater for various tastes, ease of usage and costs.
The main benefits of using a tire rack for garage storage include:
- Saves tires from triturating, flattening, wearing out, or getting damaged due to improper pile-up and stacking.
- Optimises the garage storage since the tires are placed on the side.
- Orders tires in order to have quick access to them as well as in case of any seasonal changes.
- Enhances the durability of the tire through the circulation of air.
Why Proper Tire Storage is Essential
Tires are relatively expensive so proper storage must be given special attention especially if the car alternates between the summer and the winter tires. Tire damage is often attributed to improper storage conditions such as where tires are exposed to heat or extremes in temperature.
Preventing Tire Damage
Tires that are stacked or left lying around are prone to developing flat spots, cracks, and other deformities. Tire rubber is also vulnerable to getting damaged through exposure to moisture, solvents, as well as exposure to ultraviolet light. Placing a tire on a tire rack ensures that the tires are held up right and equally spaced to avoid getting wasted.
Maximizing Space Efficiency
Tire racks are installed on the wall or from the ceiling the space that would normally be wasted. When tires are placed off the floor, you gain space for parking of cars, storage of tools, and other equipment. If the garage space is properly arranged, then it is easier to locate what you are looking for within a short time and you reduce the chances of accidentally stabbing the tires with sharp objects.
Types of Tire Storage Solutions
Now that you understand the importance of proper tire storage let’s look at some of the most popular tire racking options:
Wall-Mounted Tire Racks
As the name suggests, wall mounted racks are fixed directly on the walls of the garage to the states in order to hold the tires in the vertical position. They are compact and perfect for garages with little floor area and they can store 2-8 tires at a time depending on the design. Look for heavy-duty steel construction and adjustable brackets to fit different tire sizes.
Freestanding Tire Racks
There are also mobile freestanding bookcases that do not need to be fixed to the wall, so they can be easily moved around. Such heaters usually take more floor space than wall mounted ones but are able to accommodate many more tires; they can accommodate 8 or even more tires. These racks are best assembled in large garages or where tires are regularly transported within or between various locations.
Stackable Tire Racks
To minimize space consumption, stackable racks enable you to arrange tires in high columns for storage. Typically, most systems can accommodate 2-4 tires on top of each other while there should be enough space between the tiers for air to pass through. Stackable racks are best suited to be used in workshops and tire shops that have many tires, but are also useful in residential garages.
Custom Storage Racks
At times, there are situations where general tire racks do not meet certain dimensions or storage needs of a particular area. Mr. Mechaniq is a company that deals in manufacturing and selling of tire racking that is made to tackle every need that you might have as regard to storage of tires. An adjustable rack allows you to get the ideal model without compromises on the layout of your garage and storage potential.
Best Practices for Storing Tires
Storing Tires on Rims vs. Off Rims
You may choose to store tires mounted on rims for quick installation or unmounted to save space. Storing on rims is more convenient but requires a rack that can support the extra weight. Unmounted tires are easier to handle and less likely to develop flat spots. Look at your situation in context and then compare the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Temperature and Humidity Considerations
Tires should be stored in a dry and shaded place avoiding heat sources such as the sun or fire. Temperature extremities and high humidity can be especially dangerous to the rubber parts, as the heat can degrade the rubber within a relatively short period of time. If your garage is not temperature controlled you should use tire totes or covers to further protect the tires from harsh weather conditions.
Proper Cleaning and Preparation
Before storing it ensure you have cleaned the tire using a tire brush and warm water to wash off any dirt or brake dust. Dry the tire thoroughly and apply a rubber protectant if you wish to do so. Do not use any petroleum or silicone products on the item as it will wear away the rubber. If storing unmounted, you should first twist off the valve core and deflate the tire by pressing it.
Seasonal Tire Storage: An Essential Service for Canadian Drivers
If you are a resident of Canada, you know that you are likely to change at least two tires in a year due to winter’s harsh conditions. It’s safer to have the two winter and summer tire sets, but this will definitely require enough storage space for the two sets of tires. This is where seasonal tire storage solutions come in handy.
Winter Tire Storage Options
Adequate storage preserves on the winter tires mainly used during the winter season but go through the spring and summer seasons. It is also important to keep them inside your garage or shed, especially from sunlight as this leads to cracking of rubber or it becoming very hard. If space is an issue, consider going for a professional tire hotel where your tires are stored in conditioned areas.
Summer Tire Storage Tips
Even if your summer tires are used during summer, you should have a good place to store them when you switch to winter tires. Some of the suggestions discussed earlier would be relevant here, which include washing, drying, and placing your summer tires on a shelf in an area not exposed to direct sunlight. It can also be important to ensure that they are spaced out so that there is a proper airstream between them.
Garage Tire Storage Solutions
Using Tire Racks in Small Garages
Even if you have a relatively small garage, it does not mean that you have to do without the right storage for your tires. Here, you want to avoid placing tires directly on the floor, and wall-mounted racks work nicely for this purpose. You can, as a rule, install them on top of other shelves or cabinets to make maximum use of wall height. Just make sure that they get screwed into layers of the wall studs for security and firm footing.
Organizing Your Garage with Tire Racks
Some people use tire racks merely for the purpose of storing the tires, but they are quite versatile and can help manage garage space in general. When you set a particular area for tire racks to be placed, then you have certain areas for parking, storage, and projects. This assists in keeping the place in order and helps to optimize the sizes of the rooms. Make sure to use labels or separate with color to enable one to find the appropriate tires at change over time.
Understanding Tire Storage Costs
Factors Affecting Storage Pricing
The most significant factor that determines the total expenses incurred towards tire storage is whether you self-store with your equipment or hire outside services. Other considerations include:
- Location – Urban storage tends to cost more than rural
- Rack type – Wall-mounted units are generally cheaper than large freestanding racks
- Climate control – Added environmental protections come at a premium
- Capacity – You will be charged more for racks that accommodate more tires.
Comparing DIY and Professional Storage Solutions
In DIY, you have to spend a lot on quality racks, yet the tires are stored at your home. This is rather affordable in the long run, but the process calls for a specific area that not everyone has access to. Professional services do not have an issue with space but typically have constant storage costs, often charged based on tires. Again, it will be your decision based on aspects such as the amount of money you are willing to spend and space available for storage.
Choosing the Best Tire Rack for Your Needs
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a tire rack it should be long lasting, portable, easy to fix and should accommodate most sizes of tires. Prefer framing materials made from heavy gauge steel to ensure that the structure can hold several tires stacked over time. Polymeric or powder-coating gives durable, high-quality low-maintenance, and corrosion-free solutions for long-lasting performance. It should also be noted that some racks also have features such as locks, which can be used to lock tires tight.
Popular Tire Rack Brands and Models
Of course, if you search the internet, you will come across many cheap tire racks, but it is much better to acquire the equipment from a recognized brand. Some of the top names in tire storage include:
- Tire Rack – offers a wide variety of well-built wall and freestanding racks
- Racor – known for heavy-duty racks with high-weight capacities
- Omni – for garage home garage with utilization of easily adjustable and space saver mechanisms
- SafeRacks – is focused on overhead storage for spacious garages and workshops
How Mr. Mechaniq Can Help with Tire Storage
Since Mr. Mechaniq is an auto repair shop that provides all automotive services, the team appreciates the right ways of handling and storing tires properly. That is why when it comes to storing tires professionals, we make sure to provide our customers in Richmond Hill and the surrounding region with tire storage warehouses.
Our Tire Storage Racking Services
Besides tire supply and fitting, Mr. Mechaniq offers on-rim and off-rim swapping services and free off-rim tire storage during off-season. At $50+HST per season, we’ll ensure your tires are stored in a secure and temperature-controlled place. When it’s time to switch back, just pop in and we will do it efficiently and accurately.
Why Choose Us
Richmond Hill citizens have invested their trust in Mr. Mechaniq for automotive solutions for more than a decade now. Besides affordable tire storage prices, we strongly emphasize customer-friendly service and excellent workmanship. Our on-site tire storage enables you not to tow tires back and forth or store them in your garage, taking up precious space. We take care of everything for you to ensure that you do not have to worry about the seasonal changeover.
FAQs About Tire Storage
What is the Best Way to Store Tires in a Garage?
It is recommended that tires should be stored on a tire rack in the garage; either wall mounted or stand alone on the floor. Stack tires so they are standing up also and preferably in an area of low temperatures, away from direct sunlight and solvents. Leave some gaps between each tire so that air would flow through them.
Is it Better to Store Tires on Rims or Off Rims?
Whether you should store tires on or off the rims is up to you. Storing on rims is more time-effective during changeovers but occupies more area. Off-rim storage takes up less space but may cause flat-spots on the records. If tires are to be stored off-rim for months or years, it might be wise to stack them vertically.
How Much Does Tire Storage Cost?
Tire storage or the cost of storing tires depends on factors such as your location, the method in which you store the tires, and how many tires you have. Off-site professional storage would cost between 50 to 80 dollars per season. DIY storage racks cost between $50 and $500+ initially depending on their size and design. Any of these choices may suit depending on how much space you have and how much you are willing to spend.
Conclusion
Tire storage racking has more benefits to offer, which will surely be effective not only as protection for your tires but also as an organizer for your garage area. By ensuring that tires are stored in the upright position, the racks help avoid wear, damage, and even deformation of the tire, which makes it last longer. They also optimize the size of garages and clear additional floor space for other purposes. Whether you opt for a DIY wall-mounted solution or professional storage services, proper tire storage will save you money and hassle in the long run.
Are you willing to get more space in your garage and shield your tires at the same time? Call Mr. Mechaniqe today for tire storage racking services in Richmond Hill, Canada.
