Rot In Tires

[c_smith]

Hi everyone

What causes rot in tires? And how can you prevent it?

[Jonny Retro]

Hi everyone

What causes rot in tires? And how can you prevent it?

Time is the big factor - the materials used for tyres were developed for a lot of things, grip, wear, flexibility, mouldability, realism, colour, and stability of the compound over the expected lifetime of the tyre - but no-one ever would have thought that the tyres would have to last 25-30 years or more to cater to NIB collectors. Tyres will have been affected by a slow chemical reaction since the day they were made - 10-30 years later it's serious enough to be noticeable as perishing, or worse, "rotting".

UV light is probably the next biggest factor - and the main one you can do something about - don't leave your shelfer on the window sill, even indirect sunlight is something to avoid.

Variation in temperature is another issue - the closer you can keep the tyres to normal room temperature (or cooler) the better - loft storage is a absolute no-no - I've seen the temperature here vary between +39 and -14 degrees C - the loft on a hot day will be even hotter. As you wrote "tires" I assume you're not in the UK - but still ...

High humidity hurts too - but very dry air can cause the volatile compounds in tyres to evaporate away.

Handling doesn't do them any good either - acids in sweat will take their toll eventually.

You can't do anything to prevent tyres rotting, vacuum packing them won't help (volatiles again), I don't know if anyone has tried slabbing them in lucite, but that has its drawbacks too

The best you can do is slow the rot down - exclude UV light, maintain an even temperature & humidity, and don't play with them.

The other option is to use them - better to wear out than rot out

[tramsnod]

Jonny Retro

I have to say that is one of the best resposnes I have ever seen to a question.

Informative and concise without the use of fancy scientific words.

Very impessed.

Thank you

[Jonny Retro]

Jonny Retro

I have to say that is one of the best resposnes I have ever seen to a question.

Informative and concise without the use of fancy scientific words.

Very impessed.

Thank you

Thanks

/sings "I am the Champions" to self

[Formiga]

The other tire killer aside from wear is ozone, UV light is the worst. You can slow the aging of real tires down significantly with tire dressing, we use a product called hooey juice at my shop. I'd imagine it's the same with model tires.

[Tamiya1/10]

I found silicone spray (same stuff use to protect air gun seals) helps the tire. Is like a layer of Oil of O'lay to the skin.( Ask your Mom or GF about O'lay) Is like putting life back into the tire. But if the tire is rotted or cracked, it will not repair it but should stop the rot and cracks.

[terry.sc]

If you want to prevent tyres rotting they need to be kept sealed in a bag and in the dark.

A quick search throws up why tyres rot

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=8505

...and what to do about it.

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=31287

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=48607

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=41672

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=38016

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5914

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=11922

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=33937

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=12308

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=33937

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=36879

although most end up pointing to the full and proper explanation why everyone recommends silicone oil or glycerine

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=27045

[Formiga]

Interesting, we recommend not using Armourall and similar products due to some of the chemicals they contain that break down natural rubber, in my shop. A specific for rubber dressing prevents the natural oils from breaking down by shielding from harmful things. Although you can't stop it, you can definately slow it down.