In situations where you are unable to remove the tires from the vehicle for storage, keeping the tires on the vehicle requires special considerations to do it properly. First, it’s ideal to remove the weight from the tires. This can be accomplished by resting the car on jack-stands or similar load bearing devices under the chassis of the vehicle. If you’re unable to remove the weight from the tires, it is recommended to have the vehicle completely unloaded, so only the minimum weight will be placed on the tires.
If the vehicle is planned to be stored for long periods of time, plan to move the vehicle periodically (at least once every 3 months or once every 30 days for vehicles with high-performance tires featuring an overlay) during storage so that the tires aren’t subjected to a constant state of deflection affecting only one part of the tire. This periodic movement will help avoid temporary flat spotting that can develop from sitting static too long and minimize ozone/weather cracking.
Tires should be inflated to the vehicle recommended inflation pressure(s) – including the spare tire; and high-performance tires with an overlay should be inflated to the maximum inflation pressure shown on the sidewall of the tire. However, it is important to readjust the inflation pressure back to the inflation pressure shown on the vehicle placard before driving the vehicle.