doug wrote:
> Sorry if this isn't exactly a Corvette question but it does relate to
> tires. What is your thoughts on cars whose tires begin to crack on
> the sidewalls due to age even when the tread is still pretty good?
> One tire guy told me to prolong the life of the tire, use Armorall on
> the sidewalls but I'm hesitant to do this because I recall in the 70's
> that some were doing it to their dashboards and then they cracked and
> others said the cracking was due to the Armorall. Hence I hesitate
> to put this stuff on my sidewalls. Is there any stuff you use to
> prolong the sidewalls from cracking or is this all a myth?
>
> Also do you think at some point the cracking is dangerous to the
> remaining life of the tire?
>
>
> Thanks all.
>
> ps-- I chose this newsgroup over others because I think you guys are
> real car enthusiasts compared to the other groups :) .
All tire sidewalls will show cracking after prolonged exposure to
sunlight.
Yes, I think cracking detracts from the life of the tire, but some say
any tire over
about 6 years old is risky, even if it's indoors on the shelf, because
the rubber
continues to cure over time.
The Armor-All question is an ongoing argument, and I've yet to hear of
anyone running a scientific test, like treating just half the dashboard
over
a period of years, or one tire on each side, etc. Those that buy it
repeatedly seem to like it and swear by it, others say it is harmful.
I take the safe route, I don't use it, but then I don't enter car
shows, either.
I never liked the extreme ****ne it imparts to vinyl, but they now do offer
a low-lustre version.
Here are some reviews I found with a Google search:
http://www.epinions.com/reviews/Armor_All_Protectant
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/reviews/ArmorAllReview.htm
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