Treading Safely with Storing Tyres

When it comes to vehicle storage, tyres are often the unsung heroes. They’re the only part of a car that connects it to the road — or in Birch’s case, the last point of contact before it rests securely in our climate-monitored facility. Whether it’s a set of slicks from the latest race weekend or the delicate, hand-cut treads of a classic collector car, understanding tyre care is fundamental to preserving performance, safety, and originality.

At Birch, every detail matters — right down to the compound.

Why Tyre Storage Matters

Tyres might look tough, but their composition is far more complex than meets the eye. Modern compounds contain a careful balance of natural and synthetic rubbers, polymers, carbon black, and reinforcing materials. Over time, exposure to UV light, temperature fluctuations, and ozone can cause these materials to oxidise or harden, reducing flexibility and grip.

That’s why proper storage isn’t just about keeping tyres clean and dry — it’s about maintaining the chemical integrity of the compound itself. A well-stored tyre retains its shape, pliability, and pressure characteristics, ensuring that when the time comes to roll out again, performance hasn’t gone flat.

For Birch’s clients, this is particularly relevant. Many vehicles in our care spend extended periods off the road — from high-value supercars to race cars between championships — so correct tyre management is an essential part of our process.

From Pit Lane to Vault Floor

In motorsport, tyre care can be the difference between pole and P2. Teams carefully manage heat cycles, pressure build-up, and surface wear — and although the environment at Birch is a world away from a race paddock, the same principles apply.

Just as a racing engineer wouldn’t leave a tyre sitting in direct sunlight, we don’t leave customer vehicles exposed to environmental extremes. Our climate-monitored storage ensures a stable ambient temperature, minimising fluctuations that could accelerate degradation.

We also ensure each car is stored at correct inflation pressure. Under-inflation can cause flat-spotting over time, while over-inflation risks altering the contact patch and deforming the tyre’s structure. Some long-term clients even opt to have their vehicles resting on purpose-made tyre cushions — a gentle surface that helps the tread retain its natural curve, rather than setting into a squared-off stance.

Clean, Cool, and Correctly Supported

Following guidelines set out by leading manufacturers — including Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli, and Continental — we treat tyre care as a science. Before storage, tyres are thoroughly cleaned to remove road debris, salt, and any traces of brake dust that could chemically attack the rubber. Our detailing partners then ensure each set is completely dry before the car is placed in its bay, preventing trapped moisture from accelerating corrosion in the wheel rims or bead area.

Cars stored long-term are occasionally rotated — literally. This helps distribute the load evenly across the tyre tread, just as you would alternate a racing set to avoid developing a pressure bias. For clients who prefer full hibernation, we can remove and store tyres separately from the vehicle, keeping them mounted on their original rims, bagged, and positioned vertically on rolling racks to maintain sidewall structure.

And of course, we never store tyres near ozone-producing equipment such as motors or compressors, as even trace ozone exposure can cause micro-cracking in the surface. It’s these small details that make a big difference.

Tyres Tell a Story

Every tyre tells you something about its owner. A feathered edge hints at spirited cornering. A glazed surface suggests overheating. A flat spot recalls a heroic braking moment. Part of what makes Birch unique is that our team understands what those details mean — not just from a maintenance perspective, but from a motorsport one.

With Commercial Director Tom Chilton still competing at the sharp end of the British Touring Car Championship, that connection to real-world racing insight feeds directly into Birch’s approach. The same precision and respect for machinery that wins titles are reflected in how we store, monitor, and care for every car and its tyres — road or race.

Rolling into the Future

Tyres aren’t simply consumables; they’re finely engineered components with lifespans that can be extended — or shortened — depending on how they’re stored. In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and preservation, good storage is more than convenience; it’s a form of conservation.

At Birch, we don’t just safeguard vehicles — we protect their stories, their details, and the components that connect them to the world. Because every car, whether it’s built for the boulevard or the pit lane, deserves to keep its tread in perfect shape.

So, whether your tyres are sticky slicks or hand-crafted classics, rest assured: at Birch, we’ve got the pressure under control.

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