Common vehicle components to regularly monitor are the engine, transmission, and brake conditions to name a few. However, it’s equally imperative to regularly examine your tires. Often people wonder how to prevent tire dry rot. Dry rot can affect your tires unsuspectingly and cause irreparable damage if left undetected. Therefore, in the content below, we explore four common causes of tire rot and discuss how to effectively prevent tire rot.
4 Common Causes of Tire Rot
Tires aren’t resistant to every environmental influence. Therefore, it’s natural to look for ways that prolong their life. By avoiding exposing your tires to environmental elements, the greater longevity your tire can expect. Below are four common causes behind tire rot and how to avoid them.
UV Exposure and Oxygen
Although sunlight and oxygen seem as harmless, natural elements, they can quickly cause major degradation to the rubber in your tires. To help prevent tire rot, avoid excess exposure to the outdoors and direct sunlight. If storing your vehicle, try to keep the vehicle away from windows or direct sunlight and keep it in a garage if possible.
Temperature and Seasonal Fluctuations
When residing in an area that often experiences the brunt of every season, there is little you can do to prevent harsh weather conditions and temperatures. When exposing your tires to severe temperature fluctuations, compare the damage to the cracks and potholes in most Midwestern roads! After so many rotations of seasonal weather, your tires could begin resembling the conditions of your roads.
Therefore, monitor the conditions of your tires, brush off collecting snow and ice buildup, and keep your tires in temperature-controlled environments whenever possible.
Lack of Use
Though this seems contradictory, you could accelerate the aging and tire rot of your tires if your vehicle is kept parked and stationary for extended periods. Tires are manufactured for use as the tire compound resins respond to movement and activity. Therefore, the rubber in your tires are best protected from dry rot when used frequently.
Tire Cleaners
Although tire cleaners enhance the appearance of your tires, some cleaning products cause more damage than repair, shortening their lifespan. Therefore, ensure that you purchase a reliable tire cleaning product with many positive reviews from customers. Additionally, avoid petroleum-based products as they can exhaust the tire’s oxidation and weathering agents and crack the rubber. When in doubt, simply use soap and water!
What to Do If You Suspect Your Tires Are Cracking and Dry Rotting
It’s not worth risking your safety if you suspect any cracking or dry rotting on your tires as they affect the overall performance of your car while on the road. Therefore, when you recognize any visible signs of deterioration, it’s time to purchase new tires. Applying oils, lubricants, or any other aid to your tires will not restore a tire’s life.
Consult the Experts at Wrecktify Collision
If your tires are showing signs of dry rot or cracking, Wrecktify Collision and Restoration can help! Our experts will examine your car to assess its current condition and determine when the tire needs repair or replacement.
Is your car a classic, prized possession? We also offer classic car restoration so your “first love” can be restored to its original glory. Please contact us if you need help starting a stored car, want to explore our restoration services, or if your car needs collision repairs.
