First establish whether you are storing loose tyres or tyres fitted to wheels. Their recommended positions differ. Then choose a location where you can retrieve them without lifting across the car or blocking the route out of the garage.
| What you are storing | Check before choosing storage |
|---|---|
| Loose tyres | Tyre maker's guidance on upright storage and support |
| Complete wheels | Suitable stacking or support method for the assembly |
| A wall rack | Rack capacity, load basis, wall suitability and retrieval height |
| A floor stand | Stability, loaded dimensions and access around it |
Follow the tyre maker's storage advice
Pirelli's storage guide distinguishes tyres on rims from unmounted tyres: it describes hanging through the rims or horizontal stacking for mounted assemblies, and upright storage for loose tyres. Continental likewise warns against hanging unmounted tyres in its storage guidance.
Check the advice applicable to your tyres and wheels. Do not hang a bare tyre from a hook because a photograph shows complete wheels stored that way. Keep the equipment clean and dry according to its care instructions before putting it away.
Choose the environment as carefully as the rack
The manufacturer's guidance covers more than position. Pirelli highlights avoiding ozone sources and contamination, while Continental discusses protection from solvents, fuels and lubricants. Read the complete source when assessing a garage used for tools, chemicals or other equipment.
Keep the stored set away from places where it can be struck by the car or have equipment dropped on it. A tyre bag may help handling and cleanliness but does not make an unsuitable position safe.
Plan for the actual weight and shape
Use the weight of the complete stored assembly when checking a rack, rather than a guessed tyre-only weight. Keep the maker's load basis with the rating. Follow the rack's support and fixing instructions; a tyre manufacturer's storage article is not a wall-rack installation manual.
Consider how each wheel will come down. A high rack may free floor space while creating an awkward handling task. If safe retrieval needs equipment or assistance, make that part of the decision rather than an afterthought.
Mark the full loaded footprint and keep it out of your car-door and walking space. The garage layout planner can help compare locations. Before tyres return to service, arrange the checks recommended by the tyre and vehicle manufacturers or a tyre professional; storage alone does not establish their condition.
Sources and further reading
Checked 2026-10-25. Check current instructions for the exact model before buying or fitting.