Extend the life of tires, or how to treat tires before storage
Winter and summer tires alternately remain inactive for six months. Until the right season arrives, tires are stored in a barn, garage, balcony, etc.
During storage, tires may dry out in the heat or crack from frost. Pre-treatment of rubber with silicone oil, conditioner, lubricant and other means helps to avoid this.
Each of them performs specific functions. Motorists need to understand this and understand what kind of protection is right for them.
We’ll talk about why and how tires can be treated for storage in this article.
Content
Why treat tires for summer and winter?
Even recently purchased tires can dry out and crack if stored for a long time.
Driving safety directly depends on the condition of the tires.. New tires aren't cheap, so no one wants to replace them every few years.
Pre-treatment of tires before the “six-month holiday” extends their service life, thereby saving the budget.
Most products contain silicone oils. They create a protective layer on the surface of the rubber and also avoid tanning. To increase the service life of tires, both winter and summer, you need to preserve them.
Preservatives, lubricants, and oils are applied to the entire outer surface of the tire, including the tread. After storage, the products must be washed off as they reduce braking efficiency.
Treatment is especially important when tires are stored in unsuitable conditions. The ideal parameters are as follows:
- the room where the rubber is located should be well ventilated;
- humidity should not exceed 50%;
- temperature - stay between +10 and +25 degrees.
If all of the above is not observed, the tires must be preserved and only then sent for storage.
Facilities
Tire conservation a lot of advantages, the main ones:
- Increased tire life.
- Protection from negative factors such as heat, cold, high humidity, as well as from pollution.
- Masking of minor defects.
Silicone oil
The most popular oil for treating car tires, as well as door seals and wiper blades among motorists is PMS-200. You can find containers of different sizes on sale; the average price of oil is 1,500 rubles per 500 ml.
It has a medium viscosity, and therefore is consumed economically. To preserve tires, you must first apply oil to a sponge, and then treat the rubber with it so that the product spreads evenly over the entire surface.
The main advantage of PMS-200 is its high concentration of silicone. Thanks to this, the oil protects tires from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation, condensation, and dust. The product is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and does not cause irritation. However, it is best to work with it while wearing gloves to prevent allergic reactions.
Air conditioners
These preservation products are available in several versions: sprays, liquid concentrates, and conditioner-cleaners.The most convenient are aerosols, which are simply sprayed onto the surface to be treated. Their main goal is to protect rubber from negative factors.
Some air conditioners perform several functions:
- restoration of the appearance of tires;
- return of shine;
- prevent cracks from appearing.
Verylube spray has these properties. It is suitable for processing rubber surfaces as well as plastic products.
The preservative Koch Cheimie Gummi has proven itself well – KunstStoff. It not only protects surfaces, but also copes with old dirt. The product is applied using a sponge applicator.
Tires should be processed in two stages: first clockwise, then counterclockwise. This will raise the fibers on the tires, allowing the preservative to penetrate as deeply as possible into the tread.
Preservatives
Toal-Mix concentrate is the leader among preservatives. Before use, it is diluted with warm water (not higher than +50 degrees), and then applied to the surface using acid or spray. The tires are then wrapped in stretch tape.
After unpacking, the tires should be carefully washed with water. Thanks to Toal-Mix, the rubber does not harden or dry out.
Silicone Grease
This product is universal because it is used to treat various surfaces, including car tires. Liquid lubricant is available on sale or in aerosol form..
The product contains a solvent. But this should not discourage motorists. This component helps the lubricant spread evenly onto the surface of the tire. After application, the solvent evaporates and does not harm the rubber.
Ink
The products are not intended to color rubber, but to enhance its blackness., as well as creating a protective film on the surface.
The instructions say that inks should not be applied to the contact surface of the tires, as this will harm the traction characteristics. If it gets on the protector, the product must be removed with a soft cloth.
Blackeners are available in silicone and water based. The former are more suitable for preserving tires. Traditional methods such as shoe polish, glycerin and laundry soap can only update the appearance of rubber; they should not be used before long-term storage.
Liquid silicone
The product is widely used not only in everyday life, but also in industry.. This is a colorless, thick liquid sold in cans. You can buy liquid silicone in construction stores or auto stores.
Rating of polishes and cleaners
Based on reviews from motorists, a rating of the most effective means was formed. The leading places were taken by:
AGAT AVTO
Designed to protect and renew rubber and plastic surfaces. Available in the form of an aerosol, the cost of a liter cylinder is about 500 rubles.
After using the polish, a film remains on the product that repels water and dirt. The product contains an ultraviolet filter that protects rubber from direct sunlight.
Plast Star siliconolfrei
Gives rubber hydrophobic properties and does not contain silicone.. After processing, the rubber regains its original appearance. Also, Plast Star siliconolfrei can be used on plastic, preventing it from fading.
The price of a liter cylinder of film former will cost 1500 – 1600 rubles. The advantages include economical consumption, ease of processing, and complete absorption.
Hi-Gear Tire Shine
Apply to tires, forming rich foam. The main advantage of the cleaner is its high penetrating property. The foam does not need to be washed off or removed with a brush. After a while, it will be absorbed and flow off the tires, leaving them shiny and clean.
The composition of the conditioner is rich in polymers, which can provide rubber with reliable protection for a long time. The average cost of Hi-Gear Tire Shine is 850 rubles per 450 ml cylinder.
AVS AVK-032 (A78073S)
Used to restore the appearance of tires, preventing tire aging, removing dirt, protecting from dust and dirt. The foam-like structure allows you to evenly apply the product to the entire surface to be treated.
The cleaner does not need to be rinsed off; it is completely absorbed. A big plus of the product is its low cost - about 200 rubles for a half-liter cylinder.
Detail Tire
Has protective, hydrophobic properties, restores the appearance of tires, makes them blacker. The film that forms on the surface after using the product prevents the rubber from cracking.
The polish is applied to the treated areas using an applicator, and after 10 minutes the excess is removed with a soft cloth. 500 ml of Detail Tire ink costs about 420 rubles.
Video on the topic of the article
The video will tell you how to treat tires before storage:
Conclusion
Each car enthusiast decides for himself whether to treat rubber before storage or not. Proper preservation will extend the life of tires for several seasons.
When choosing products, you need to consider not only their cost and composition, but also:
- region of residence,
- tire storage place,
- reviews from other motorists.