How To Fix Dry Rotted Tires: A Systematic Guide

Dry rot can completely damage a tire if the problem is not caught early. The worse thing is that no mechanic will agree to repair it. But you can do it at home if you know how to fix dry rotted tires.

How To Fix Dry Rotted Tires: A Systematic Guide

Tires are dry rotted when they turn brittle and dry because of long-term inactivity, dirt accumulation, years of exposure to scorching sunlight, and driving continuously with low air pressure. Such a condition can drastically reduce their lifespan even if the decay just sets in.

Let’s find out how to protect your tires from this corrosive condition:

1. Materials Needed For Fixing Dry Rotting

• Water-based tire oils
• A water-based tire degreaser
• A large sponge
• Water hose

2. Methods For Fixing Dry Rotting

• Examine the tires to find out the extent of the damage. Some places could be worn out while other areas might have some cracking on the walls. If the damage is too deep, you have no option but to replace the tires.
• Dab a sponge with a water-based tire degreaser and apply it on every inch of the tire. Do it twice and then rinse it with lukewarm water. Lastly, air-dry the tire for at least two hours.
• Buy water-based tire oils if the damage is nothing severe than some sidewall cracks. Silicone-based and petrochemical oils do more harm than good. They strip the tires off their protective wax layer and expose them to UV rays for more decay.
• Apply the tire oil on each part of the tire. It creates a layer on the tire’s surface to protect it from ozone and UV rays. Keep doing it at every 20 to 30 days.

SEE MORE

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How To Keep Tires From Dry Rotting

Replacing the tires requires loads of money. You already know that repairing dry rotted tires just slowing down the process, not restoring them to the previous condition. Besides learning how to fix dry rotted tires, you can follow these tips to prevent the deterioration:

• Park the car in shade. The UV light from sun rays hastens the crumbling of the external rubber layer. The first preventing step you can take is to keep the tires away from sunlight as much as possible. Park them in a garage or parking lot with an awning, especially when you park for hours. If you can’t find a shaded place, at least keep the car under a cover or cover the tires with tarpaulin pieces.
• Tires decay if they are not used for months or years. So, don’t keep your vehicle idle in the garage for a long time. If you have spare tires, either sell or use them.

• Never drive your car with under-inflated tires. Check the owner’s manual to find out the right tire pressure. Driving with low tire pressure causes dry rot to set in early.
• Use a good quality tire sealant to slow down the decaying process and protect the exterior part from UV rays and ozone chemicals. Applying them every 30 days or more frequently given the weather is bad will produce better results.