Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/34500
CARE, CLEANING, AND STORAGE DIESEL FUEL CONTAMINATION Diesel fuel and other petroleum-based products can cause blistering, swelling, or a spongy condition. Swelling is typically seen in the tread, and blistering is typically seen on the sidewall. The odor of the petroleum-based product may be evident. The rubber will also be softer than another part of the tire with no petrol damage. Generally it may be 30-40 points softer on the shore hardness gauge. If these conditions are seen or experienced, scrap the tire. CLEANING AND PROTECTION Soap and water is the best solution to cleaning tires. If you use a dressing product to “protect” your tires from aging, use extra care and caution. Tire dressings that contain petroleum products, alcohol, or silicone will cause deterioration and/or cracking and accelerate the aging process. Be sure to refer to the protectant or dressing label contents to confirm that none of these harmful chemicals are present. In many cases, it is not the dressing itself that can be a problem, but rather the chemical reaction that the product can have with the antioxidant in the tire. Heat can make this problem worse. When these same dressing products are used on a passenger car tire that is replaced every 3 to 4 years, it is rare to see a major problem. In many cases, truck tires may last much longer due to higher mileage yields and subsequent retread lives, and the chemical reaction takes place over a longer period. Swellings in the Tread Sidewall Contamination MICHELIN X One Tire Maintenance 51 ® ®