Is tire dressing bad for tires?

[Icepuck72]

Just as the topic asks...is it? I had a guy telling me he never uses it because it dry rots the tires.

 

[Jeff Kleb]

I have used tire dressing - all different types - and have never had a problem with it dry-rotting tires.

I suspect the cause of dry-rot for tires is probably having the car sit too long without being driven.

 

[Thai]

The rare times that i take my car to a carwash place, they use Amorall on the tires. Amorall protects rubber and plastics...so, i don't see any harm in using it.

However, i don't use anything at all really...the interior plastics on my modern cars will likely outlast your ownership of the car. Tires are there to get dirty...so, i don't spend money on dressing it up.

 

[greasefingers]

That

 

[Fro-Runner]

I use the spray on dressing and cleaner all in one. I only spray my tires about once every 2-3 months and only on special occasions. I use a piece of cardboard cut to fit where the tire meets my rim. The aluminum rim does NOT like harsh chemicals on it at all. These chemicals will eventually eat into the rim's finish.

 

[wolfgang]

I too have heard that especially petroleum based products are bad for the rubber (deplete waxs and polymers in the rubber) and speed up dry rot.

From Porsche Club of America:

In addition, man has developed his own way to add damage: Rubber/Vinyl Dressings. Although their intended purpose is to protect the rubber and add competitive absorbers, many dressings are clear mixtures of kerosense, mineral spirits, and dimethal silocon oil which do nothing more than provide a short-term greasy shine. These petroleum distillates strip away the protective waxes from the tires and