If you drive in Tbilisi and take the Gudauri, Bakuriani, or Mestia roads seriously, you probably already drive with a set of winter tyres from roughly November through to March. Which means twice a year you have four tyres – often still mounted on rims – sitting somewhere they shouldn’t be. In the corner of a room. On a balcony. In a corridor. Taking up space you’d rather use for something else.
This is a very solvable problem. Here’s how to do it properly.
Why Tyre Storage Matters
Tyres stored badly degrade faster than tyres stored well. It’s not dramatic – they won’t fall apart after one bad summer – but consistent poor storage shortens their usable lifespan, which matters when a decent set of winter tyres costs serious money.
The main enemies of stored tyres are:
- Sunlight and UV exposure – breaks down rubber compounds over time, causes surface cracking
- Ozone – found near electric motors, fluorescent lighting, and in direct outdoor air; degrades rubber
- Heat – accelerates oxidation and deformation
- Incorrect stacking – tyres stacked vertically without a rim underneath will develop flat spots and deform under their own weight over months
- Solvents and chemicals nearby – petrol, oil, cleaning products stored alongside tyres can affect the rubber
Tbilisi’s summers are hot. A balcony in July is not a good place for tyres.
The Tbilisi Storage Problem
Most Tbilisi apartments don’t have a basement, a garage, or a dedicated storage area. A standard city apartment might have one small storage cupboard, if that. So four tyres – especially four tyres on rims – represent a genuine space problem.
The common workarounds people use, and why they’re not ideal:
Leaving Them at a Tyre Shop
Some tyre shops in Tbilisi offer seasonal storage. It sounds convenient, but the conditions vary considerably. You generally have no visibility into where your tyres are being kept, whether they’re in sunlight, whether they’re stacked correctly, or whether the same set that goes in comes back out. It’s also typically priced per tyre per month, which adds up – and you’re dependent on their schedule for collection.
Storing Them at a Friend’s Place
Works once. Gets old fast. Your friend’s balcony has the same problems as yours, and you’re adding your tyres to their space problem.
Keeping Them at Home
The default option for most people. A corner of the bedroom, behind the sofa, on the balcony. If it’s the balcony, they’re in direct sunlight for half the year. If it’s inside, you’re sharing your living space with rubber that smells faintly of road.
What Proper Tyre Storage Looks Like
The correct way to store tyres depends on whether they’re mounted on rims or bare:
Tyres Mounted on Rims
Stack them horizontally – flat, one on top of the other – or hang them individually if you have wall hooks. Horizontal stacking on rims is the standard recommendation because the rim carries the load, not the tyre sidewall. Four tyres on rims stacked flat take up roughly a 60cm x 60cm footprint and about 80-90cm of height.
Tyres Without Rims (Bare Tyres)
Store them standing upright – vertical – and rotate them a quarter turn every 4-6 weeks if you’re storing for a full season. This prevents the sidewall from developing a set under gravity. Do not stack bare tyres flat on top of each other for extended periods – the bottom tyres will deform.
General Rules for Both
- Clean the tyres before storage – remove brake dust, road grime, and any stones from the tread
- Place them in tyre bags or wrap loosely in black plastic bags if you have them – reduces UV and ozone exposure
- Keep them away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and anything with an electric motor
- Keep them away from solvents, oil, and fuel
- Don’t hang tyres without rims by the bead on a hook – this deforms the tyre over time
Storing Winter Tires at StoreSafe
A 2m² unit (1.2m x 1.6m) at StoreSafe comfortably holds a set of four tyres on rims with room to spare for other seasonal items – a set of wiper blades, tyre bags, or whatever else you’re swapping out with the season change.
If you’re storing tyres alongside other items – ski gear, camping equipment, off-season clothing – a 3m² unit (1.9m x 1.6m) gives you a proper dedicated storage setup with room to organise things so you can get to what you need without moving everything else.
What makes a StoreSafe unit a better option than a balcony or a tyre shop:
- Enclosed and covered – no UV exposure, no direct sunlight
- Away from heat and ozone sources that aren’t controlled in outdoor or improvised storage
- Your unit is locked with your own padlock – nobody else handles your tyres
- You collect and return them on your own schedule, not a shop’s schedule
- Month-to-month rental – store for 5-6 months between seasons and cancel when you’re done
When to Swap Tyres in Tbilisi
The general rule most local drivers follow: winter tyres go on when overnight temperatures consistently drop below 7 degrees Celsius, and come off when overnight temperatures are reliably above 7 degrees. In Tbilisi city, that’s typically somewhere around November going in and March coming out – though it varies year to year.
If you’re regularly driving the Military Highway to Gudauri or Kazbegi in winter, you’ll want winter tyres on earlier and longer than city-only driving requires. Snow chains are also worth keeping in the boot for higher altitude sections regardless of tyre type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space do four tyres take up?
Four tyres mounted on standard 16-17 inch rims, stacked horizontally, take up roughly 60cm x 60cm of floor space and stand about 80-100cm high depending on tyre profile. In a 2m² unit, that leaves you plenty of room for additional items alongside them.
Can I store my tyres without rims at StoreSafe?
Yes – bare tyres store fine in a unit. Stand them upright rather than stacking flat. If you’re planning to store for a full 5-6 month off-season, rotating them periodically is good practice.
Can I drop my tyres off myself?
Yes. Drive or taxi to the facility at 24 Vaso Godziashvili Street (Vashlijvari, between Saburtalo and Dighomi), load your tyres onto a trolley at reception, and move them to your unit. Most people manage a set of four tyres without help. If you’re bringing tyres without a vehicle, our optional pickup service is available – contact us to arrange.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes – book your unit before you arrive so it’s ready for you. It takes less than 3 minutes at storesafe.ge and you’ll get your access code before move-in day.
What if I want to store other things alongside my tyres?
Most people do. A 3m² unit handles four tyres plus a full set of ski gear, winter clothing, or whatever else is coming out of rotation at the same season. It’s a practical way to get multiple storage problems solved with one rental.
Ready to Book?
Browse available unit sizes and pricing at storesafe.ge – or contact us at info@storesafe.ge or +995 591 306 017 if you want to talk through what size makes sense for what you’re storing.
Open Monday to Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 11am-2pm
