Cheapest time to buy winter tyres?

[wemorgan]

I've recently bought a second set of wheels for my car. So now at some point over the summer I'm going to fit some winter tyres to them. I've had a look on the usual sites and the prices seem roughly the same they were over the winter, but I guess availability is better.

So is there an optimal time (low cost) to buy winter tyres or does it not really matter?

One final question. Is it OK to store them in my cellar, or will the damp/humid conditions damage the tyres? They'll be laying on a plastic sac if that helps.

Thanks.

 

[SG CL500]

I was looking (on/off) during last year.

I found the availability plummeted during summer - prices only spiked at the start of Winter.

Can't help on storage but I wouldn't be too bothered about the effect of damp on the tyres

 

[Alps]

look now, ive just bought a set of 2x 245/40/18 pirelli, and 2x 265/35/18 continental for under £200 part worn with 6mm all round

 

[grober]

My guess is that winter tyre production may well be cut back in the early part of the year leading to low stock levels in summer. for storage the following from Tyres- Online may help.

Tyre Ageing

All tyres undergo an "ageing process" due to exposure to the environment even if they have never been used or have only been used occasionally.
This phenomenon is caused by a number of factors including:
* the process of aftercuring, whereby the tyre continues to culcanise very slowly. This is caused by factors such as light, heat and movement and makes the tyre become stiffer and more brittle.
* oxidation involving oxygen and ozone from the atomosphere causing hardening of the rubber and reduced elasticity
* plasticisers drifting from the tread area to other parts of the tyre, resulting in increased hardness.
Tyre ageing can be minimised by proper storage in a cool, dry environment, away from direct sunlight and away from electric motors (such as air conditioning units) or other sources of ozone.
Interestingly, tyres, which are infrequently used or not used at all, age and crack quicker than tyres, which are in regular use. For this reason tyre manufactureres tend to recommend including the spare tyre in any tyre rotation process. Spare tyres, which are old should be used with caution. If in doubt, get the tyre checked by a tyre expert.
Caravan tyres or tyres on other vehicles that are parked for long periods are particularly subject to ageing and owners of these vehicles are generally advised to jack the weight off the tyres and cover them so that they are not exposed to sunlight.