Tire and Rubber Protectant ??????

[Stitch King]

I have a set of tires that are just now starting to age and get small cracks in the sidewalls. I usually just wash them with a mild detergent and rinse really well.

What can I use that will slow the ageing process?

[XstreamVking]

I have been using 303 Aerospace Protectant for a few years for every thing. Has a u-v protectant quality some others dont. Try it out....Get it at ace hdware in fla. or try google for it. Like it so much I bought a case. Seems when you find something you like they quit making it....I stocked up!!!

[stokernick]

me,too,303Protectant,I buy it by the gallon through Overton's.Has no alcohol in it [like Armorall] and is great for rubber,vinyl,etc.!

[Vegas XT]

I have been professionally detailing for 20yrs ...303 is great stuff!

[Stitch King]

After looking at every tire on everything I own, they are all starting to show small cracks in the sidewalls. So went out and bought a bottle last night.

Thanks guys!

Ken

[pyro]

303, Armor-all, tire shine, they're all some formulation of silicone, sometimes blended with alcohols or emulsifiers to make them easier to dispense.

[stokernick]

alcohol=cracks!

[Jeff_G]

For the ultimate go to a RV store and buy some tire covers. Your tires will last years longer. Keeps the sun off.

[Forkin' Crazy]

303 will wash off with water in a heart beat.

[Mark75H]

For the ultimate go to a RV store and buy some tire covers. Your tires will last years longer. Keeps the sun off.

I tried that with less than dramatic results (for both my RV and trailer tires) ... I'm still stunned that no one markets a trailer tire with some kind of enhanced UV protectant, I'd pay double rather than buying a new set of made in China mounted wheels every other year

[chynewalkr]

i bought a set of dunlops from the tire rack a few years ago and right in the warranty packet it said use of any tire spray would void the warranty.

[stokernick]

never seen that,Paul,been using it for years,even in the winter with road salt spray,etc.

[Jeff_G]

I tried that with less than dramatic results (for both my RV and trailer tires) ... I'm still stunned that no one markets a trailer tire with some kind of enhanced UV protectant, I'd pay double rather than buying a new set of made in China mounted wheels every other year

Maybe it's all that ozone from the freon around your house?:D

[Mark75H]

Maybe it's all that ozone from the freon around your house?:D


I gotta stop breathing that stuff in :smiletest::smiletest::smiletest:

[mikeylarge]

303 works great, but leaves a bit of an oily residue behind. You might want to try out a bottle of Meguiars 40 vynil and rubber protectant. 40 works great and is actually dry to the touch once applied :thumbsup:

[staylor]

Year back I bought three new trailer tires- 2 for the trailer and 1 spare. I put the spare in the basement and it saw a nice 60-70 degree life with no sun exposure. After 3 years I had sidewall cracks in the 2 tires on the trailer so I bought 1 new tire and put on the spare from the basement and the new tire. Within 1 season the tire from the basement started to show cracks. So now I do nothing to the tires at all.
Doug

[Stitch King]

When I was a Mechanic years ago, I remember all of the belts and hoses in our parts department having dates on them. After 4 years the parts were thrown away due to ozone exposure. They did not look bad but were tossed anyhow.

It seems as if every tire I have around here is cracking.....

Not limited to any brand either. The Goodyears, Nokians, BFG's Michelins and Coopers all have the same issue.

Based on the DOT date codes, they are all over 4 years old. Problem is, they are all very low mileage. I'd hate to have to chuck them because of age. :(

[chynewalkr]

i have replaced my goodyear f1s on my truck 2 times in 5 years, and my boat trailer tires last about 4 years. its obvious something is different in the tire formulas

[Stitch King]

They must be cutting back on the carbon black.

I have a set of tires on a motorhome from 1989 and they're no worse off than any other tire I have dated 2003 and up.

I guess everything really is getting "cheaper". :(