How To Fix Dry Rotted Tyres?

As the oil in the rubber begins to evaporate, the chemical bonds break down, leaving a dry tyre behind

What is Dry Rot?

Tyres are made of natural rubbers which means that they degrade over a period depending upon the climate, temperature, humidity, uses and storage of the vehicle, and the air pressure levels of the vehicle. If you find little cracks along the sidewalls of the tyres running all the way to the treads, then you may be experiencing a common phenomenon that occurs in stagnant cars called tyre dry rot.

In some instances, tyres start to decay while they have plenty of treads left. UV rays from the sun also add to the damage and work as a catalyst to speed up the decay process. As the oil in the rubber begins to evaporate, the chemical bonds break down, leaving a dry tyre behind.

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Source: RightTurn

How Does It Affect Your Tyre?

As the rubber dries, it becomes hard and starts to fall, destroying the tyre with a blow-out. This can be extremely dangerous if the blow out happens while you are driving the vehicle- especially on highway. It is therefore advisable to inspect the tyre for decay before going out for a long trip.

Things You Need To Fix Your Dry Rotted Tyres

So now when you have noticed cracks on the sidewall of your tyres, what should be your first step? You would not like to go to the nearest mechanic – unless you want to buy new tyres. You can try repairing it for which you must keep the following things handy:

• A Hose Pipe
• Clean Sponges and Rags
• A Tyre Protector Product (Water-based)
• Tyre Degreaser (Water-Based)

Recommended Read: How to reduce Tyre wear?

How To Repair Your Tyres

Now when you have assembled all the required equipment, it’s time to get started with the work.

• Remove the tyres – If the tyres are already removed and have been kept in storage then you are ready to get started. However, if the tyres are still on the vehicle then you need to jack up the care and remove the tyres from the wheels. This is because dry rot can affect tyres on both sides. If you do not remove the tyre from the vehicle then it would be harder for you to see inside the tyre wall.
• Inspect the tyres – In the next step, you will need to inspect the tyre and find out which is the area that needs to be taken care of using tyre protector product.
• Degrease – Next prepare the tyre surface for the protector product. Use the tyre degreaser product (read the instructions carefully before using). Basically, you will be pouring some of the degreasers onto the clean sponge and give the affected tyre wall a good rub.
• Rinse – Wipe the tyres down with sponge or cloth, then grab the hose. Spray the tyre with lukewarm water (if available) or else cold water will be fine. Continue to rub the tyre until all the water, degreaser product and dirt gets removed. You will now be left with a clean but wet tyre, leave it to dry completely before moving to the next step.
• Protect – Now, when the tyre is completely dry, it’s time to apply tyre protector product. Pour some on the rag and wipe the tyre with it. Make sure the product is applied all over the tyre and not just the affected area.

Conclusion

You need to keep in mind that technically you are not repairing the tyre, you are just slowing the drying process. Decaying of rubber is a natural process and none of us has the ability to put a full stop over it.

However, following this guide you can prevent the damage from progressing quicker.

Source: Carbibles