The Best Way to Wash Tires

We all learned how to wash tires the first time we helped dad wash the car. A bucket of water, soap, and a good brush still work the best! However, some of you are into the most hi-tech devices in existence, and you may attempt to use a power washer… NOT A GOOD IDEA! The pulsating action of the power washer when it’s close to anything will cause damage. Remember—steel belted doesn’t mean the surface of the sidewall is made of steel! If you’re still determined to use a power washer, at least make sure the nozzle is a foot away from the surface of the tire to be safer.

There a number of products out there that claim to be the cat’s meow when it comes to washing tires. We have found that good old soap, water, and a brush plus some elbow grease does a far better job.

If you are thinking of spraying some of that stuff used on dashboards on your tires to make them shine… don’t! The chemicals in that product stop the natural breathing of the tire and do not allow for the oxidants in rubber to work their way to the surface. When you see a new tire that has never been washed, there will be a shiny coating. Those are the oxidants that work their way out of the tire. Don’t worry; they cause no harm to humans or animals—but your tire needs that breathing to stay flexible & long-lasting!