After months of hard graft in the fields, the end of the season brings a well-deserved break for both farmer and machine. The tractors, harvesters, trailers, and implements are lined up for a rest, cleaned down and serviced for another year. But while the metal gets attention, one part is often overlooked: the tyres.
Farm tyres work under serious pressure (literally). From carrying tonnes of weight to tackling tough terrain in all weathers, they do more than most give them credit for. So, when the season winds down, it only makes sense to look after them properly. Proper off-season storage helps them last longer, perform better, and it keeps your machinery ready to roll when the time comes.
Here’s what you need to know.
Give Them a Good Clean First
Before anything goes into storage, it needs to be clean – and tyres are no exception. Mud, manure, chemicals, and crop residue left sitting on the rubber for months can slowly break it down. And if you’ve been running through treated fields, there could be fertiliser or pesticide residues clinging on too – not great for rubber.
Start with a hose-down using plain water to get the worst off. Then, use a mild detergent to remove grease, oil, and anything sticky. Pay close attention to treads and sidewalls where gunk tends to hide. Once they’re spotless, let them dry thoroughly. Any leftover moisture can creep into cracks and worsen over winter.
What’s the Machine Doing Over Winter?
If your tyres are staying on the machinery (and many will be), consider the weight they’re carrying. A farm kit isn’t light, and months of sitting in one spot can lead to what’s known as ‘flat-spotting’ – where the tyre settles under the pressure and develops a flat patch.
That flat spot might not be obvious until you’re bouncing across the field wondering why the ride’s so rough.
To avoid it:
- Raise the machine with blocks or axle stands, if possible.
- Move it occasionally – a quick shuffle every few weeks helps rotate the load and prevent wear in one area.
- Check pressures regularly – more on that below.
Indoors Is Ideal, But Not Always an Option
Tyres hate extremes: extreme sun, extreme cold, and extreme moisture. UV rays can dry them out and cause sidewalls to crack. Constant dampness leads to rot. Rapid temperature swings can even weaken the rubber over time.
The best storage? A cool, dry, dark shed – something every farmer dreams of but doesn’t always have space for. If you’re short on covered storage:
- Stack the tyres on wooden pallets to keep them off the ground.
- Use a breathable tarp or cover that keeps rain and sun off but still allows airflow.
- Avoid wrapping tyres in plastic – it traps moisture and leads to mould.
In short, shade and ventilation are key. Here’s a quick comparison to help plan your space:
| Storage Location | Pros | Cons |
| Indoor Shed/Barn | Best protection from elements | Needs available space |
| Shipping Container | Dark, dry, rodent-proof | Can get too hot inside |
| Under a Lean-to Roof | Keeps off most rain and UV | Still exposed to temperature shifts |
| Open Field w/ Cover | Flexible, easy access | Risk of moisture buildup & rodents |
Spare Tyres? Store Them Standing
If you’ve got off-rim tyres or spares, don’t just chuck them in a pile. Tyres are heavy and flexible – and if left stacked sideways, they can become distorted over time. That makes fitting them harder down the line, and they might never run true again.
Instead:
- Stand them upright on a firm surface.
- Rotate them occasionally to avoid sidewall pressure points.
- Use a basic wooden rack if you have lots – it keeps them tidy and protected.
Watch the Weather – and the Environment
Agricultural tyres are more sensitive than most give them credit for. They don’t like being stored near machinery that generates ozone (like electric motors or welders). The ozone can react with the rubber and cause cracking, especially around the bead and sidewall.
Other things to avoid:
- Storing next to chemicals – solvents and fuels can break down rubber.
- Damp concrete floors – they draw moisture upwards. A bit of timber or even cardboard underneath the tyre helps massively.
- Direct contact with sharp tools – punctures can happen even in storage.
Tyre Pressure: Don’t Set It and Forget It
Even when sitting still, tyres lose air slowly over time. If you leave them partially deflated all winter, they could crack from the stress – especially under load. Over-inflation’s not great either, particularly if temperatures rise and the pressure expands.
Here’s what to do:
- Inflate to the recommended pressure before storage.
- Check it monthly, especially during cold snaps or warm spells.
- Log the pressure if you’re storing multiple machines – saves guessing later.
Check-In Once a Month
Out of sight, out of mind? Not with tyres. Make a point to give them a quick once-over each month. Look for:
- Cracks or cuts
- Rodent damage (they love hiding in warm rubber nests)
- Signs of sidewall bulging
- Air pressure changes
A five-minute check can save you from a morning of delays when the season kicks off again.
Organise Your Spares
There’s nothing worse than needing a replacement and realising you can’t find the right size. A bit of planning helps here:
- Label each tyre clearly: size, brand, machine it fits, and date stored.
- Store them by type: flotation, radial, implement, etc.
- Use the FIFO method (first in, first out) – oldest gets used first.
It keeps your setup efficient and avoids accidentally running on older rubber when fresher stock is available.
If you’re storing valuable tyres, or they’re outside, consider investing in purpose-made tyre covers. These aren’t just for show – they offer real protection from UV, temperature changes, rodents, and dust.
Even a heavy-duty canvas cover with good breathability can extend tyre life by years. And let’s be honest – if a few covers can save you from replacing four flotation tyres early, it’s money well spent.
Get Set for the Next Season with Fieldens
If the off-season reveals it’s time for a fresh set, or you just want to be prepared for next season’s demands, we’re happy to offer advice to help you find the perfect fit for your machines.
From flotation to radial, implement to specialist agricultural fitments, we’re here to help farmers keep moving with reliable, hard-wearing tyres that are built for real-world work.
Explore our range or get in touch for friendly, practical support from our team.
