Tire Question

[mjarrels]

My Ford truck has tires on it that are a few years old and are weather cracking badly... tread is like brand new... truck is only driven about 500 miles a year... once went 18 months without buying gas (farm use tags). Is there something that can be applied to the tire to help prevent cracking or at least slow the process? Would have to park a tractor outside if I put the truck in the garage (ain't going to happen). Only other inside storage is the bank barn a quarter mile away and I would rather keep the truck at the house.

mark

 

[DieselPower]

There are numerous tire protectants sold at auto parts stores. Look for ones that protect from UV light and ozone and that is made to be used on rubber.

 

[Bird]

In addition to what DieselPower said, you might consider something to block the sun from the tires when the truck is not in use. A lot of RV supply houses sell some vinyl covers to go over RV tires to protect them from the sun, but of course a piece of plywood, or something similar, would also work.

 

[RollTideRam]

Shade JC

 

[DavidN]

Make sure you are not parking the truck adjacent to high amperage electrical equipment. The flux field around electrical transformers and large motors has a drying affect on rubber. I found out by storing my hip waders next to a electric hot water heater. Six months later they were cracked and ruined.

I don't claim to understand it fully, but have read a number of articles about this, after my experience. Might be a possibile reason for your short tire life.

 

[machmeter62]

There is a lot of products on the market to preserve tires; but according to several sources over the years; claim ARMOR ALL may look good, but induces a slow death to the tires by sucking the moisture out of them leaving cracks? Also, some of these "negative testimonials" came from places that specialize in auto detailing, and won't use ARMOR ALL period! Any other product that offers UV protection should be good? You may want to call or check with them for the best product for tires? I'm sure CONSUMER REPORTS has rated the best to worst too?

 

[QRTRHRS]

Have your new tires filled with nitrogen rather than air. It is much more stable.

 

[BTDT]

Since folks are suggesting UV blockers, here is an out there one for you. What about sunscreen or sunblock for people? Might be cheaper, might be the same stuff.

 

[George2615]

If the truck is parked most of the time. Buy covers for the tires that will prevent UV rays from deteriorating them.

 

[Rara Avis]

My Ford truck has tires on it that are a few years old and are weather cracking badly... tread is like brand new... truck is only driven about 500 miles a year... once went 18 months without buying gas (farm use tags). Is there something that can be applied to the tire to help prevent cracking or at least slow the process? Would have to park a tractor outside if I put the truck in the garage (ain't going to happen). Only other inside storage is the bank barn a quarter mile away and I would rather keep the truck at the house.

mark

Actually I'd be more worried about the motor than the tires...18 months??...do you think there was any lubricant on the cylinder walls when you finally turned it over...

The tires on the other hand...if you are not using them at least once in a while... ...did you notice a distinct thump when you started to use the truck again?

If they're going to sit for huge amounts of time...put the truck on jack stands and drop the pressure of the tires...