Re: [T3] In need of TIRES

[Michael Cecil <macecil@comcast.net>]

<x-flowed>At 10:11 AM 6/25/2005, Jim Adney said:

>Rubber does not "dry" out, and I really don't know what the term "dry rot"
>means when applied to tires. Yes, they get oxidized on the surface, but the
>only surface that really matters is the tread, where wear exposes relatively
>fresh material all the time.

I don't doubt that oxidation occurs but the term "dry rot" is usually 
applied to the more serious issue of rubber degradation that happens 
as a combination of ozone and hydrocarbons in the air reacting with 
the rubber making it hard and brittle.  Think of an old rubber band, 
how they will crumble.  Now think of your old tires doing the same 
thing on the highway.  The term is misleading though - it should 
really just be "rubber rot" or something.

Prevention - don't use Armor All type products - they accelerate the 
process.  Don't store tires near electric motors or other sources of 
ozone.  Move to the country out of the smoggy city areas.  :)
--
Michael Cecil
macecil@comcast.net
http://home.comcast.net/~macecil/

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