Do I have Rim Guard in my tires?

rfc143 · Apr 9, 2017

I was reading a thread on the woes folks were having around corrosion caused by calcium in their tires, and want to know what I have in mine (I bought the machine used and the seller did not know).
I took a photo of the stuff: totally clear and tinted slightly yellowish. For comparison, I dissolved a calcium chloride tablet I had for de-icing my roof...predictably it's milky white. I got some vinegar and added it to both: the CaCl2 fizzes slightly, I got no such reaction from what came out of the tires. Do I have Rim Guard?

kennyd · Apr 9, 2017

Rim Guard is a brown syrupy mixture. I couldn't find a good picture, but look a 2:12 in this video: Rim Guard World's Greatest - YouTube

rfc143 · Apr 9, 2017

This is not viscous at all; not like maple syrup. Does Rim Guard taste like anything? Can I tell that way?

Eric102 · Apr 9, 2017

You for sure don't have rim guard unless there's a new version out there, its a dark reddish brown fluid. My understanding is that its made out of beet juice.

Catman8 · Apr 9, 2017

rfc143 said:
This is not viscous at all; not like maple syrup. Does Rim Guard taste like anything? Can I tell that way?

For sure your joking, you never put anything in your mouth you are not positive is food grade and safe. But I will take the bait and respond.

JerryK · Apr 9, 2017

Rim guard [ sugar beet juice ] smells like mole arses ... looks and tastes like thin mole arses......

rfc143 · Apr 9, 2017

I don't think it's Rimguard then.
Thank you.

oosik · Apr 9, 2017

The rim guard in my rear tires looks like blood and has a very sweet taste. Its as thick as maple syrup and its sticky if you get it on your hands. I have to admit, I don't know anything about mole arses nor how they taste - yuck,yuck............I guess Jerry is the resident expert in that area.

JerryK · Apr 9, 2017

oosik said:
The rim guard in my rear tires looks like blood and has a very sweet taste. Its as thick as maple syrup and its sticky if you get it on your hands. I have to admit, I don't know anything about mole arses nor how they taste - yuck,yuck............I guess Jerry is the resident expert in that area.

At my age, I've kissed a pig or two.......