Grande Prairie winters mean freeze–thaw cycles, road salt, and low humidity cold snaps. Improper storage can lead to flat spotting, dry rot, and corrosion on rims—especially if tires sit in a damp garage or near ozone sources (motors, furnaces, compressors). A clean, dry, dark space with consistent airflow plus proper prep makes all the difference.
Quick benefits of storing off-site at Cans N Boxes:
Free up garage space for vehicles and gear.
Keep rubber away from ozone, sunlight, and temperature swings.
Ground-level access and wide drive aisles make loading easy.
4 tires (off-rim or on-rim): Works in a small locker/closet-style space or tucked into a 5×5 equivalent.
4–8 tires (plus seasonal gear): 5×10 equivalent—room for tires, tools, and bins.
Wheels, tires, and bulky seasonal items (patio sets, sleds): 10×10 equivalent for easy shelving and aisle space.
Tip: If you plan to add storage shelves or stack labeled totes, size up once so you can walk around safely.
Wash & dry: Remove road salt and grime. Let tires dry completely.
Inspect tread & date code: Note wear, cracks, or punctures. If a tire is aging out, mark it now.
Bag or wrap: Use breathable tire bags or heavy-duty contractor bags with a few pinholes for minimal airflow (reduces dust and ozone exposure).
Label by position: LF, RF, LR, RR—saves time at swap-back.
If mounted on rims: Lightly mist the rims with a corrosion inhibitor after cleaning; wipe off excess.
Unmounted tires (no rims):
Vertical is best. Stand them upright on a pallet or rubber mat and rotate monthly (even a quarter turn helps).
Avoid stacking them horizontally for months—it can deform the bottom tire.
Mounted tires (on rims):
Stack flat (horizontally) with a clean piece of cardboard or foam between each to protect the finish.
Keep stacks modest (4 high) and stable.
Never: Hang tires on hooks by the bead (unless the manufacturer specifically allows it). Keep them off bare concrete to reduce cold-conducted moisture.
Cans N Boxes units aren’t temperature-controlled, and that’s okay—tires are durable. What matters is clean, dry, dark, and off the ground with a little airflow.
Set up your unit like this:
Pallet + mat: Pallet for airflow, rubber mat to reduce cold moisture from the floor.
Moisture control: Toss in 2–3 desiccant tubs or hanging desiccant bags. Replace mid-winter if needed.
Light block: Keep tires in bags and away from doors/windows. UV is the enemy.
Ozone avoidance: Don’t store near running motors or chemicals that off-gas (paint thinner, solvents).
Aisle space: Leave a 12–18″ walkway so nothing presses against sidewalls.
Clean, dry, protect: After washing, use a pH-balanced wheel cleaner, dry fully, then a thin coat of sealant or wax.
Face-to-face stacking: Cardboard or foam between faces to prevent micro-scratches.
Check mid-season: A 5-minute visit to ensure no moisture buildup pays off.
Unmounted tires: No pressure to worry about—just keep them upright and rotate their standing position monthly.
Mounted spares: If you’re storing a mounted spare for seasonal use, inflate to spec before storage and re-check in spring.
☐ Wash, dry, and bag each tire
☐ Label LF/RF/LR/RR
☐ Inspect tread depth and cracking
☐ Pallet + mat on the unit floor
☐ Desiccant in place
☐ Upright (no rims) or stacked flat (with rims)
☐ Avoid sunlight and ozone sources
☐ Rotate upright tires monthly
How long can tires sit?
Properly prepped tires can sit 6–8 months with minimal degradation. The key is darkness, dryness, and avoiding ozone/heat.
Do I need climate control?
Not for most tires. Preparation and moisture control matter more. Our secure non-climate units work well when you follow the steps above.
Can I store other automotive gear with my tires?
Yes—rims, roof boxes, sleds, tools, even patio sets. Just keep chemicals sealed and away from the tires.
Will stacking damage my rims?
Stack face-to-face with padding and keep stacks stable. For show-quality wheels, consider foam wheel totes.
Check unit sizes & pricing to see what fits your tire set and any extra gear.
Reserve online in a couple of clicks—ground-level access makes drop-off easy.
Swing by our yard if you want to see access and aisle space first.
Ready to go?
👉 Reserve a unit now https://www.cansnboxes.com/pages/rent