TireTalk

It’s a common misconception that silicon-based tire treatments cause tires to turn brown. Because silicone is sticky, this could allow dust and dirt to adhere to the tire’s front while you drive, potentially turning the sidewalls. In this scenario, a basic clean with a sponge and some water will erase the color. Silicone-based dressings can also be removed using specific degreasers and rubbing.

WHAT CAUSES TIRES TO TURN BROWN

The process of “tire blooming” is the real reason why tires get brown. This blooming, also known as tire browning, is caused by an antiozonant additive put into the rubber. It prevents tires from drying and fracturing prematurely owing to the oxidation reaction. It’s a continuous process that can be avoided by cleaning and maintaining the tires adequately.

You’ll know if they’ve become brown since you won’t be able to wipe them away with water and a brush.

Tire blooming is the precise term for the process triggered by Antiozonant.

Antiozonant is an organic chemical frequently used to prevent the ozone-induced breakdown of certain materials (known as ozone cracking). It’s primarily used in plastic and rubber, and it’s a common ingredient in tire production.

The antiozonant is applied so that it reaches the surface of the rubber, providing protection and increasing the rubber’s lifespan. However, once the antiozonant approaches the tire’s edges, it comes into contact with oxygen and reacts, creating a brown deposit that builds up over time and turns the tires brown. All tires containing antiozonant may eventually succumb to this fate.

WHY DO ANTIOZONANTS TURN TIRE SIDEWALLS BROWN?

Antiozonant works its way to the outer parts of the tire casing over time, causing tires to bloom. When the element interacts with oxygen, it creates a brown deposit on the tire’s exterior. Antiozonant is an organic compound that helps tires stay longer by slowing oxidation. This is what allows for the production of lengthy, high-mileage tires.

The rubber architecture is designed in such a way that the constituent can travel forward to the surface, offering continual benefits to the substance. As a result, the tire is more malleable and resistant to UV/oxygen for a more extended period.

MOLD RELEASES AS A CAUSE OF BROWN TIRES

Most people believe that the mold discharged during the tire production process causes the tires to turn brown. However, this is not the case.

Tire sidewalls do not turn dark because of mold releases utilized in the manufacturing process. They do, however, contribute to the problem by keeping antioxidants on the tire’s surface. Furthermore, the more of it that is left on the outer border of the tire design, the more brown deposit will be left by the oxidation process.

Mold discharges are non-stick lubricants used in the production of tires. They assist in the free discharge of finished tires from the forms. Because some oil typically stays on the tire after a few weeks of traveling, it may lead to blooming.

Because mold releases are lubricants, they will hold more antiozonant at the tire’s surface, particularly near the outer edges, where oxidation is more severe.

It doesn’t assist that some oils are always left on the tires.

CLEANING AND DRESSING TIRES REGULARLY ARE CRITICAL.

Because the sidewalls of your tires turn brown over time, you won’t be able to eliminate it totally. On the other hand, cleaning and maintaining tires will avoid tire blooming or, if it already exists, will temporarily remove them. When you wash your car, make sure to clean your tires.

Every tire has a different propensity towards blossoming. This is dependent on the rubber blend, tire type, driving style, and location. Frequent cleaning and protection techniques, on the other hand, will help you extend the life of your tires and eliminate blooming.

Tire cleaning can be done in a variety of ways. Cleaning your tires with leftover vehicle wash detergent and a rubber cleaning brush should suffice. On the other hand, a tire cleaner will provide more excellent cleaning than car wash detergent if you wash your automobile seldom or already have severely browned tires.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET RID OF TIRE BLOOMING?

If there is a tiny amount of blooming on the rubber, a vigorous wash and correct washing chemical may be used to eliminate it temporarily. This is never sustainable, as the blooming will return at some point, but it will allow you to prolong the whole process for a time before opting to change your tires.

If the blossoming has already gone throughout the tire, there isn’t much that can be done. There’s no way to get rid of that brown deposit with scrubbing or detergents, so you’ll have to either accept it or change your tires.

Blooming is a permanent chemical reaction that would be futile to try to stop.

PREVENTION AND PROTECTION

Although there is no way to prevent tire blooming or eliminate it after it has occurred, there are ways to delay it for a time, but you must manage your tires regularly. To accomplish so, you’ll need to clean your tires periodically and preserve them with additional chemicals.

The first step is to wash them on a regular basis. You should keep an eye out for any dust that might get caught somewhere on the rubber, and you should do so without using any water. After you’ve dry-cleaned your tire, you can wash it with a mixture of soap and water. This should remove most of the dirt, but if you’re still unsure, repeat the process once or twice more. After that, all you have to do is dry the rubber with a towel. While cleaning, we recommend avoiding harsh chemicals because they may cause more harm than good.

Following that, you must apply a tire protection treatment. This will preserve your tires even more and make them more resilient and remove any remaining blooming if any.

The most basic dressing is a liquid or solvent-based liquid that covers the holes of the tires and protects them for a set amount of time.

You can use tire wax, which is a little more expensive but lasts for weeks and fills and lubricates the holes of your tires.

Tire sealants are one of the minor prevalent types of dressings, but they’re growing in popularity because they can stay up to a year if properly applied. Compared to the other two types, tire sealants actually coat the tire with an extra protective layer, allowing it to appear and keep it fresh for a longer time.

You may prevent or delay the symptoms of tire blooming by cleaning and protecting your tires regularly while also extending the life of your rubber.

Is there a problem with blooming?

FINAL WORDS

Tire blooming is not, technically speaking, hazardous. Tire blooming is a relatively common and natural process that does not affect your tires other than visually. Tire Warehouse can help you with any tire questions or concerns. 

Blooming will not harm your tire, and it does not indicate that it is “going bad” or rotting. It’s merely a chemical reaction that can’t be avoided. What it does suggest, though, is that your antiozonants are depleting, and your tire’s oxidation protection is eroding.

This isn’t a temporary problem, but it does indicate that you’ll have to replace your tires at some time.