Posted by daveS on Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 16:58:24 :
Hello all,
I would like to know what others are doing to retard the side wall oxidation on their bias ply tires.
I have used Armorall and various types of tire black/restoring/shine compounds available at the local auto parts store in the past. I asked the same question to the guys at the tire company and they suggested any lemon dishwashing detergent. The advised against Armorall or tire cleaner/restoring/shine compounds. They said these products actually caused more oxidation in the tires.
I just came back with 4 new 900 x 16 NDT tires, with flap and tubes from a local tire dealer. I don't want to start a discussion about the pros and cons of mounting the tires myself. Needless to say, the wheels and rings are in good shape, and I have already cleaned, inspected, and repainted them. I am taking all necessary precautions when mounting the tires.
Additionally, I would like to add that the flaps and tubes they supplied appeared to be specifically made for split and combat rims. The flap was reinforced at the valve stem and the tube had a metal bracket that would span the slot in the wheel. My previous flaps and tubes lacked these features. I have had several tubes blow out near the valve stem due to bulging into the slot in the wheel. Oddly enough, this happened twice to my spare tire, which hasn't touched the road in 7 years. I have taken to adding an extra piece of rubber (from an old tube) to prevent these type of blow outs.
Thanks in advance,
Dave
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