Tire Cracking
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,594
Likes: 72
From: North Central Arkansas
Tire Cracking
I didn't want to hijack Joe's thread where he was asking about the tire cracking on his F4. There is some good info there as usual, I learned how to read the date code on my tires.
Is there anything you can coat a tire with that will slow down the ageing? Do any of the tire sprays used do that? I am assuming that a tire cracks as it ages because the oils used in the manufacture of the rubber compounds in the tire, leave, evaporate, or dry out as the tire ages. If that is the case, it seems to me that wetting the outside of the tire periodically the right chemical might slow the ageing/cracking down. Any thoughts?
Mark
Is there anything you can coat a tire with that will slow down the ageing? Do any of the tire sprays used do that? I am assuming that a tire cracks as it ages because the oils used in the manufacture of the rubber compounds in the tire, leave, evaporate, or dry out as the tire ages. If that is the case, it seems to me that wetting the outside of the tire periodically the right chemical might slow the ageing/cracking down. Any thoughts?
Mark
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,686
Likes: 1,255
From: Jefferson City, MO
That's a good question. I wonder if something like Ru-Glyde. I did a quick search and someone mentioned Vaseline, but another said that might not be good.
Keep your truck in a garage out of the sun will help too, but I'm sure you know that.
Let's see what our resident experts have to say. My tires will rot out before the tread wears out. If I can prolong their life with something, that would be great.
Keep your truck in a garage out of the sun will help too, but I'm sure you know that.
Let's see what our resident experts have to say. My tires will rot out before the tread wears out. If I can prolong their life with something, that would be great.
Marmon-Herrington Man
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,986
Likes: 446
From: Central Illinois
Finding NOS and good used bias ply traction tires is one of my obsessions because my sizes aren't repop'd. Josh and Mark do the same, and I swap emails with Napco guys that look for them too. I think it's primarily UV exposure that degrades the rubber. I've found full and partial sets that I'm sure are 20+ years old yet show no signs of cracking. Most were generally in warehouses with little outside light, and I have used 19.5s on the chassis now that came from a rural fire truck that spent most of its time indoors. For a limited use or show truck I think they are fine. Stu
Edit - Also, I have a buddy that does detailing professionally. He's told me that products like Armor All are bad for rubber. He suggested soap and water. And I'll say tire covers like the motor home folks use. Stu
Edit - Also, I have a buddy that does detailing professionally. He's told me that products like Armor All are bad for rubber. He suggested soap and water. And I'll say tire covers like the motor home folks use. Stu
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,599
Likes: 34
From: Rockingham, VA
Well, when I first got the "new" tires on my truck (the replacement widow maker wheels and tires) I had the truck in my driveway and protected the tires with RV tire covers.
Since I've been driving it, I have had the truck garaged, so no sun damage.
I think my cracks got worse from driving on potholed streets because of their age.
Since I've been driving it, I have had the truck garaged, so no sun damage.
I think my cracks got worse from driving on potholed streets because of their age.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,104
Likes: 138
From: Orcas Island Wa.
Not necessarily proud of it but back in the day because of my obsession with one tons and 7.50 x 17s, I have had really good luck filling surface checks in junkyard tire sidewalls with a marine sealant called 'sikaflex'. It is for boat seams and is an adhesive too. It comes in black and dulls out as it dries. I force it in with a putty knife and wipe excess with laquer thinner. When it dries, there is no more crack. I always feel the cord is intact, it is many layers thick and the sun doesn't get in there. Maybe I have just been lucky, but I use them as real trucks and have never had a tire fail unless I ran through the place where we de-nail boards for our reclaimed wood business....And that can happen to a new 'store-bought' tire...
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,686
Likes: 1,255
From: Jefferson City, MO
Well they retread tires all the time. (And the come flying off down the road....) I wonder what process they use to do a retread? Could a home process similar to what you mentioned be possible? If a tire is low use, I would think something could be done fairly safely.
Now if you are going 70 mph anywhere, you need new tires. But 40 around town??
Now if you are going 70 mph anywhere, you need new tires. But 40 around town??
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Marmon-Herrington Man
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,986
Likes: 446
From: Central Illinois
Agree. I had four traction retread bias 19.5s that I sent to a Napco guy a couple weeks ago. No idea how old the casings were, nor the new treads, but they looked great. He's mounted them up, and will use them on both front and rear axles which would make me uncomfortable. He's tickled to have them. Again, as said, it'll be a limited use, low speed, ride. Stu
Senior User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 465
Likes: 2
From: Moorhead MN
I wouldn't think someone could or should attempt a retread in their own garage or shop. I've seen the process done and it requires lots of heat and specialized equipment to make sure the new tread is totally attached and even. I barely trust retreaded tires from a reputable shop, let alone in some guy doing it in their garage. I doubt you could ever even get them to balance right!
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,094
Likes: 654
From: Brentwood, TN
I have no experience with this product but it seems like there are products such as these that are made to preserve tires and stop cracking...Age-Master No.1® Official Site - Rubber Protection - Rubber Protectant - Protection for Rubber - Chem Pro Inc.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,516
Likes: 401
From: W. Central FL.
My understanding is that tires deteriorate from non use as well as being exposed to the elements and ozone. By using and flexing them the ingredients of the rubber compound will work their way to the outside of the tire and help prevent cracking.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Ocala,Florida
I went into a tire shop the other day to get some tires mounted and they had a sign hanging inside the shop that said they would not mount any tire that was 5 years old or older marked by the DOT date on the tire.....
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,594
Likes: 72
From: North Central Arkansas
Thanks for all the replies. I don't have any experience with the tire sprays that you see a lot of people use at car shows. It sounds like they may not be the best thing for tires, unless you like the wet tire look. I may check out the coating that CharlieLed mentioned in his reply.
Thanks again, Mark
Thanks again, Mark
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,405
Likes: 5,411
From: Central PA
Interesting dilemma. If you don't use them they dry rot and crack. If you use them so they don't crack you wear the tread...