Got a surprise yesterday

[Playr]

So, over the weekend I was washing my Toyota Camry and noticed 2 of the 4 tires were developing cracks in the sidewalls closes to the tire bead. Yesterday I finally made it out to where I bought them and the dude tells me it’s because I put too much Armor All on the tires, it dries out and cracks the tires. I’m like WTH! It’s called Armor All tire protectant. Tire protectant is in the name. Anyway, I have never heard of that nor experienced the cracks and I’ve been using Armor All for 25 years.

Anybody else hear of this or experience it themselves? I was thinking he was just making this up to not give me a pro-rated credit on replacement tires.

And course, what other product(s) do folks recommend to shine tires (meg’s or any other brand)? I don’t like the all-in-one foam products by the way.

[Showmob]

I have heard people blame tire dressings for cracks in the side wall but never had an issue myself is there anything environmental that could explain it like those tires always being in direct sunlight?

[Playr]

Re: Got a surprise yesterday

Forgot to mention, tires are about 2.5 years old and have about 17,000 miles on them. One was the driverside front and other was pass rear. All four tire were purchased together but only those show signs of cracks. One would think all four would be cracking or maybe just driver's side or pass depending on amount of sun exposure.

BTW, nice Camaro. We have '12 Victory Red

[goldenlight]

Re: Got a surprise yesterday

I like this product. Cost about $8.00 bucks at wal-mart. Shine last for at least 2 weeks, Black magic has a product that last 6 weeks , but never tried it.

[Piranah]

Never use armor all. It dries everything out. Especially their vinyl cleaner.

[Playr]

Re: Got a surprise yesterday

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to try the Endurance tire dressing (non Hi Gloss) LINKY.

[Ramcharger310]

Re: Got a surprise yesterday

I like this product. Cost about $8.00 bucks at wal-mart. Shine last for at least 2 weeks, Black magic has a product that last 6 weeks , but never tried it.

I am using the Black Magic right now.

I have also used endurance gloss and for ease of application, no mess (very directional spray on) and durability, my vote goes to Black Magic. It dries on like a nail polish clearcoat and living in a desert environment, it is great for not attracting dirt. What is great is that is stays on even after a few car washes.

The only thing I do not like is the shine. It is too shiney for my taste. It looks wet and on my plain honda looks silly.

[SVT Lightning]

Re: Got a surprise yesterday

I used it for years before I switched to the Megs protectants....NEVER had an issue with it.

[JG_Detailing]

Never heard that before. I've been using tire shine for a while and that never happened to my tires. Of course I use Meguiars on mine. I heard There protectant for the dash will crack it.

[PerfectCreature]

Re: Got a surprise yesterday

Use the gel, the Endurance spray lasts but a few days and it is gone. The gel would last for around 2-3 weeks before it would begin to look dull.

[jfelbab]

Re: Got a surprise yesterday

Why not check the date of manufacture of the tires in question. It's relatively common for a dealer to put old rubber on a vehicle. Tires age whether they are in use or sitting in a warehouse. Old rubber is not safe even if you have lots of tread depth remaining.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=138

...Chrysler and Ford Motor Company joined their European colleagues in 2005 by recommending that tires installed as Original Equipment be replaced after six years of service. (General Motors declined to offer a recommendation until a more scientific analysis of driving conditions and tire aging could be completed).

See here for reading the date code on your tires.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=11