A professionally organized tire storage facility is far more than a storage room for car dealerships – it is an independent revenue channel, a customer retention tool and a quality hallmark that builds trust. Anyone who stores tires properly, documents them and sends timely reminders about seasonal changes generates predictable revenue and secures regular workshop appointments. In this guide, you will learn how to systematically set up, efficiently manage and automate your tire storage with the right software.
Why Tire Storage Is a Real Revenue Driver
Many car dealerships underestimate the potential of tire storage. Yet the economic benefit is obvious: per stored set, businesses charge a storage fee of 20 to 40 euros per season. With 200 stored sets, that amounts to additional revenue of 4,000 to 8,000 euros annually – with virtually no material costs.
But the storage fee is just the beginning. The real value lies in the follow-up orders:
- Two guaranteed workshop appointments per year through seasonal tire changes
- Upselling potential when tread depth falls below 3 mm – direct tire sales
- Cross-selling of brake inspections, wheel alignment and suspension checks
- Stronger customer retention through regular personal contact
- Predictable workshop utilization in spring and autumn
Practical tip: Calculate your business case: if a tire hotel customer pays an average of 80 euros per change and books additional services in 30% of cases, the annual revenue per customer exceeds 200 euros – entirely without a vehicle sale.
Space Planning: How to Dimension and Design Your Tire Storage
Before you store the first tire, you need a well-thought-out space concept. The three key factors are shelving system, labeling and capacity.
Choosing the Right Shelving System
Heavy-duty shelving with special tire supports has proven ideal for professional tire storage. Pay attention to the following points:
- Load capacity per level at least 200 kg (a set of SUV tires weighs up to 60 kg)
- Shelf depth of 50–60 cm for common tire sizes
- At least 4 levels per shelf for optimal space utilization
- Labeling strips on each level for storage location numbers
- Tires on rims stored horizontally, tires without rims stored upright
Planning Capacity Realistically
As a rule of thumb: per square meter of storage space, you can accommodate approximately 3 to 4 tire sets with heavy-duty shelving. Also plan space for aisle width (at least 1.20 m for pallet jacks), a receiving area and an inspection station.
| Storage Size | Usable Area | Capacity (approx.) | Storage Fee Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 30 m² | 80–100 sets | 1,600–4,000 €/season |
| Medium | 60 m² | 180–240 sets | 3,600–9,600 €/season |
| Large | 120 m² | 360–480 sets | 7,200–19,200 €/season |
Labeling and Storage Location System
Every storage location needs a unique number – for example following the scheme Shelf-Level-Position (e.g. R03-L2-P04). This number is noted both on the shelf and on the tire label. This way, employees find any set in seconds instead of searching for minutes.
The Tire Label: What Information Belongs on It
A complete tire label is the centerpiece of any professional storage operation. It serves for identification, documentation and protection against liability claims. Each label should contain the following information:
- Customer name and customer number
- Vehicle: make, model, license plate
- Position: FL (front left), FR, RL, RR – for assignment when remounting
- Condition: tread depth per tire in mm, visible damage
- Tire brand and size (e.g. Continental WinterContact 225/45 R17)
- DOT number for age determination
- Storage date and storage location number
Good to know: The DOT number on the tire sidewall reveals the manufacturing date. The last four digits indicate the week and year – e.g. “2423” means: 24th calendar week of 2023. Tires older than 8 years should be replaced regardless of tread depth.
The Intake Process: Step by Step to Proper Storage
A standardized intake process protects you from complaints and ensures no detail is overlooked. Train your workshop team on the following steps:
Receive the tires from the customer or remove them during the tire change. Immediately check completeness (4 tires, with rims if applicable, valve caps present).
Measure the tread depth at least three points per tire with a digital tread depth gauge. Record the values on the storage protocol. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm – at least 3 mm is recommended for summer tires and 4 mm for winter tires.
Inspect each tire for cracks, bulges, embedded foreign objects, uneven wear and damage to the rim or valve. Record any findings in writing.
Photograph each tire individually as well as any damage in detail. The photos serve as evidence and help with advice for the next change appointment.
Fill out the tire label, attach it to the tire with a cable tie or barcode sticker, and store the set at the assigned storage location.
Inform the customer about the condition of the tires. If the tread depth is below 4 mm, proactively recommend purchasing new tires for the next season. This way you place an offer without being pushy.
Optimal Storage Conditions: Temperature, Light and Humidity
Tires are more sensitive than many think. Improper storage conditions accelerate aging and can compromise safety. The German Tire Dealers and Vulcanizers Association (BRV) recommends the following conditions:
| Factor | Recommendation | Risk of Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Cool, below 25 °C, ideally 10–15 °C | Rubber becomes brittle, accelerated aging |
| Sunlight/UV | Store in darkness, no direct sunlight | UV radiation decomposes the rubber |
| Humidity | Dry, max. 65% relative humidity | Moisture promotes corrosion on rims |
| Ozone/Chemicals | No solvents, fuels or ozone sources nearby | Chemical reactions damage the rubber compound |
| Surface | Clean, dry, no contact with oil or grease | Swelling and structural damage |
Tip: Install a simple digital thermo-hygrometer in the storage area (from approx. 15 euros). This way you keep an eye on temperature and humidity and can take countermeasures if needed – such as ventilating or using a dehumidifier.
Seasonal Reminders: How to Bring Customers Back on Time
The biggest mistake in the tire hotel business: letting customers store their tires and then hoping for their own initiative. Proactive communication is the key to full appointment calendars during the changeover season.
When to Send Reminders?
- Mounting summer tires: Reminder mid to late March (rule of thumb: from Easter to October)
- Mounting winter tires: Reminder early to mid October (rule of thumb: from October to Easter – “O to O”)
- First reminder: 3–4 weeks before the typical changeover period
- Second reminder: 1–2 weeks before the period, if no appointment has been booked yet
Which Channels to Use?
The most effective channel is a personalized email or SMS that addresses the customer by name and includes a direct online appointment booking link. Additionally, you can use WhatsApp messages or postal reminders. The key is that reminders are sent automatically – manually calling through 200 customers is neither economical nor modern.
Did you know? Car dealerships that send automated reminders achieve an appointment booking rate of over 80%. Without reminders, many customers come too late, go to the competition or forget about the change entirely.
A good CRM system stores customer data and vehicle information centrally and can send reminders automatically at the right time.
Reminder Templates That Work
A good reminder is short, personal and contains a clear call to action. Avoid generic mass emails – the more individual the approach, the higher the booking rate. Proven components of a reminder message:
- Personal salutation with customer name
- Mention of the specific vehicle (make, model, license plate)
- Reference to the recommended changeover period
- Information about the condition of the stored tires (e.g. “Tread depth still sufficient” or “We recommend new winter tires”)
- Direct link or phone number for appointment booking
- Note about limited appointments during peak season
Sample wording: “Dear Mr. Mueller, winter tire season is approaching. Your winter tires (Continental WinterContact TS 870) for your VW Golf (B-AB 1234) are ready. The tread depth is 5.2 mm – good condition. Book your changeover appointment now at [link]. For questions, reach us at [phone]. Your dealership team.”
Pricing Models for Tire Storage
Pricing depends on region, competition and service level. Here is an overview of common models:
| Pricing Model | Description | Price Range | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage per season | Flat rate for storing a complete set over one season (approx. 6 months) | 20–40 € | Standard offering for most customers |
| Storage + change combo | Package of storage, wheel change and balancing | 60–100 € | Customers who value convenience |
| Premium package | Combo + tire washing, tread check, written condition report | 90–140 € | Discerning customers, premium brands |
| Annual flat rate | Two changes + year-round storage at a fixed price | 120–200 €/year | Customer retention and planning reliability |
| Free with tire purchase | Storage as a complimentary service when purchasing a new set of tires | 0 € (included) | New customer acquisition, boosting tire sales |
Liability and Insurance: Duty of Care in Tire Storage
Anyone who stores tires assumes the so-called duty of care. This means: you are liable for damages that occur during storage due to your fault or lack of diligence – such as through improper storage conditions, mix-ups or theft.
What You Must Consider Legally
- Storage contract: Conclude a written contract with each customer that clearly defines the scope of services, liability and liability exclusions
- Condition documentation: The documented condition upon receipt (photos, tread depth, damage) is your most important safeguard
- Check insurance: Clarify with your business liability insurance whether stored customer tires are covered – an additional module is often required
- Theft protection: Secure the storage facility with lockable doors, and if applicable alarm systems and video surveillance
- Fire protection: Tires are flammable – comply with storage facility regulations and inform your fire insurance
Legal note: The duty of care is based on the bailment contract (§§ 688 ff. BGB). In cases of gross negligence or intent, liability exclusions in the contract may be void. Have your storage contract reviewed by a lawyer.
Software vs. Excel: How Best to Manage Your Tire Storage
Many car dealerships start with an Excel spreadsheet for tire storage management. This works reasonably well with 20 or 30 sets – but from around 100 stored sets onward, you hit the limits:
| Criterion | Excel / Google Sheets | Specialized Software |
|---|---|---|
| Search by customer/tire | Manual via Ctrl+F, error-prone | Instant search by name, license plate or barcode |
| Sending reminders | Manually create and send individually | Automated via email/SMS at the right time |
| Condition documentation | Photos saved separately, manually linked | Photos directly attached to the data record |
| Invoicing | Separate program or manual invoice | Invoice created directly from the storage process |
| Multiple users | Simultaneous editing problematic | Multi-user capable, changes in real time |
| Error rate | High (typos, forgotten entries, outdated data) | Low (mandatory fields, validation, barcode scanning) |
| Scalability | Practical up to approx. 50–80 sets | Unlimitedly scalable |
AutoPult Tire Storage Module: Everything Automated in One Place
The AutoPult tire storage module was developed specifically for the requirements of car dealerships and automotive workshops. It digitizes the entire process from intake to invoicing – saving dozens of working hours per season.
Barcode Scanning for Error-Free Assignment
Every stored tire set receives a barcode label. When storing, retrieving or relocating, employees simply scan the code – the software updates the storage location automatically. Mix-ups and manual typos are a thing of the past.
Automated Customer Reminders
Three to four weeks before the season begins, AutoPult automatically sends personalized reminders via email or SMS to all tire hotel customers. The message contains the customer name, the vehicle, the recommended changeover period and optionally a link for online appointment booking. Second reminders are automatically sent if no booking has been made.
Integrated Invoicing
The storage fee is billed directly from the tire storage module. Linked with the AutoPult invoicing software, you create invoices with one click – including all relevant items such as storage, wheel change and additional services.
Integration with Workshop and CRM
The tire storage is seamlessly integrated with the workshop module and the CRM. Workshop orders for tire changes are created automatically, customer data is centrally available and the complete tire history of each vehicle is visible at a glance.
- Print and scan barcode labels directly from the software
- Digital condition documentation with photos per tire
- Automatic reminders via email and SMS
- Storage location management with visual occupancy map
- Invoicing including storage fees and changeover service
- Tread depth tracking with warning alerts for critical values
- Complete tire history per customer and vehicle
Result: Car dealerships using the AutoPult tire storage module report up to 70% less administrative effort and significantly higher customer satisfaction through proactive communication and error-free processes.
Checklist: Setting Up Tire Storage in the Car Dealership
Use this checklist to ensure you do not forget anything when setting up and operating your tire storage:
Identify a suitable room (cool, dry, dark). Procure heavy-duty shelving with tire supports. Install storage location numbering. Install a thermo-hygrometer. Ensure lighting (without UV component). Implement fire protection measures. Secure access (lock, alarm system if applicable).
Create a storage contract with a lawyer. Define a standardized intake process. Introduce a tire label template or barcode system. Calculate a price list for storage and additional services. Prepare reminder templates for email and SMS. Train employees on the process.
Check business liability insurance for duty of care coverage. If applicable, take out an additional module for stored customer goods. Inform fire insurance about the tire storage. Observe data protection for customer data and photos (GDPR). Have terms and conditions and liability exclusions legally reviewed.
Decide: Excel or specialized software. For specialized software: procure barcode printer and scanner. Import customer data from existing system. Configure automatic reminders. Establish integration with workshop planning and invoicing. Run a test with a small group.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tire Storage in the Car Dealership
What does tire storage at a car dealership cost?
Most car dealerships charge between 20 and 40 euros per season and tire set for storage alone. Combo packages with wheel change and balancing range from 60 to 100 euros. Premium services with tire washing and detailed condition reports cost 90 to 140 euros.
How should tires be properly stored?
Tires on rims should be stored stacked (horizontally), tires without rims stored upright and rotated regularly. The storage room should be cool (below 25 °C), dry (max. 65% humidity) and dark. Contact with solvents, oil or fuels must be avoided.
When should you switch to summer or winter tires?
The rule of thumb is “from O to O” – from October to Easter winter tires, from Easter to October summer tires. However, temperatures are the deciding factor: winter tires are superior at temperatures below 7 °C, summer tires above.
Is the car dealership liable for stored tires?
Yes, by storing tires the car dealership assumes the duty of care under §§ 688 ff. BGB. In case of damage due to lack of diligence (e.g. improper storage, mix-ups, theft), the business is liable. Careful documentation upon receipt and appropriate insurance are therefore indispensable.
Which software is suitable for tire storage management?
For small inventories (under 50 sets), an Excel spreadsheet may suffice. From 100 sets onward, a specialized solution such as the AutoPult tire storage module is recommended, offering barcode scanning, automated reminders and integrated invoicing.
How often should tread depth be checked?
At least at every storage and retrieval – i.e. twice a year. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm, but experts recommend at least 3 mm for summer tires and 4 mm for winter tires for adequate safety.
Conclusion: A Well-Organized Tire Storage Pays Off Multiple Times Over
Tire storage is far more than a sideline business. With the right organization – from space planning through standardized intake processes to automated customer communication – it becomes a reliable revenue driver and a strong customer retention tool.
The key success factors at a glance:
- Well-designed shelving system with clear storage location labeling
- Standardized intake process with tread depth measurement and photo documentation
- Optimal storage conditions (cool, dry, dark)
- Proactive seasonal reminders to customers
- Transparent pricing with attractive combo packages
- Legally secure storage contracts and appropriate insurance
- Professional software instead of error-prone Excel spreadsheets
With the AutoPult tire storage module, you digitize the entire process and save valuable time that you can invest in your core business. Learn more now and start your free trial.
