Going Off Road? Keep Your Tires Clean with These Tips
and Tricks
If you like to go off road, you’re probably used to having
dirty tires and wheels. We all know how easily dirt and other pieces of debris
can get lodged into the coating of a tire. But cleaning your tires is about
more than just appearances. It’s about preventative maintenance. If you don’t
clean your tires regularly, all of that excess dirt and debris can actually do
lasting damage to your ride. Dirty treads can affect traction and speed,
putting extra stress on your tires. Learn how to properly clean your off-road
tires with these simple tips and tricks.
Clear a Path
Before you start spraying your tires with various cleaners,
you need to do some of the heavy lifting yourself. Start by finding a
wire-bristle brush to get rid of large pieces of dirt and anything else that
might be hiding in the tread of your tires. Try to move the brush in the
direction of the tread.
Washing and Scrubbing Your Tires
Once you’ve removed the bulk of the filth, it’s time for a
deep clean. You can spend your money on dozens of self-proclaimed off-road tire
cleaners, but many of them have caustic acids and other powerful ingredients
that lead to discoloration and cracking. It’s best to avoid those harmful
chemicals and stick with an all-purpose cleaner like Simple Green. This cleaner
is non-toxic and it won’t dry out your tires like other cleaners. Use about 25%
Simple Green and 75% water. Clean the surface of your tires with a nylon brush.
Rinse and Dry Before You Move On
Once you’re finished cleaning one tire, make sure that you
completely rinse off the tire and wipe it dry with a soft, clean cloth. If you
let the cleaner dry naturally and stick to the tire, it could wear down the
rubber over time. Carefully treat one tire at a time, instead of quickly cleaning
all four at once.
Protect Your Tires with the Proper Coating
You don’t need to mess with this step every time you wash
your tires, but using a traction compound on your tires will help preserve the
rubber over time. Once your tires are completely clean and dry, spray a bit of
traction compound on the surface. Sticky Kicks is a great choice for off-road
tires. You can find it at most auto part stores. Now that you’ve coated the
whole tire, use a dry cloth to wipe off any excess fluid and residue.
If you like to get your truck dirty, it’s important to clean
your tires every month, if not every week. If you really want to preserve the
life of your tires, it’s not a bad idea to wash them every time you go off
road.
You can always come to Don’s
Automotive Group in Louisiana for off-road tire maintenance and truck
repairs.
