Jeep Garage  - Jeep Forum banner

Michelins Latitude Tire Discoloration

5K views 12 replies 8 participants last post by  Crestwood1001 
#1 ·
Does anyone know what causes this discoloration or is it a defect? And no it's not dirt.

 
See less See more
1
#3 ·
Looks like you might have rubbed up against a granite curb. Don't know where you live, but here in upstate NY they are popular for an upscale look to the neighborhood. Some granite has more iron in it than others. Also some contractors do not grind down the sharp edge of the curb and many of us have cut our sidewalls parking. (Been there!).
 
#5 · (Edited)
It's called "blooming"

Here's a little write up I found

Most people don't give a lot of thought to their tires except for how they look. Truth be known, your tires are designed to perform under extreme conditions of heat via kinetic energy transfer, high speeds for long periods of time and incredible forces of torque and flexing. That's a lot to ask from a chunk of rubber, inflated with air like a cream filled donut.

The science behind the modern rubber formulas used by major tire manufactures today is both complex and interesting. The rubber itself contains and ingredient called Antiozonant.

Antiozonant is an ingredient that helps to prevent the exterior rubber surface from cracking, checking, oxidizing, and deteriorating. The rubber is designed in such a way as to constantly work its way to the outside of the tire and as such, continually replenish the exterior surface with fresh antiozonant.

After the antiozonant works its way to the outside of the tire and is exposed to the ozone in the air, it turns brown. The technical term for this effect is blooming.

This is why you see a brown film on the surface your tires. You can wash your tires with soap or an all-purpose cleaner and remove this film, but in a few weeks, it's back. That's because the antiozonant continually works its way to the outside of the tires every time you drive your car.

Thus before applying a dressing you really need to do a thorough job of cleaning the outer surface of the tire to remove any spent antiozonants as well as any previously applied dressing and this will prepare the rubber to accept a fresh application of tire dressing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Raymond and J13ntv
#7 ·
I have seen it many times on my tyres and just thought it was rusty water staining it. Thanks for the education on what it really is.
 
#8 ·
Best way to clean it off is Bleach White. Spray it on a dry tire, let it sit for about 1 minute, spray on another light layer and scrub with a stiff wet brush. When you rinse it off you will have a clean black tire thats ready for tire shine. Just be sure to rinse it off very well with a strong stream of water because it can damage the finish on rims.
 
#12 · (Edited)
Also the black plastic on many of our vehicles have a similar type of additive that constantly pushes itself to the surface, It does this to keep it shiny and black, and to prevent cracking and sun damage. that is also the reason why when people paint those types of plastics it usually chips/flakes off, because it's literally being pushed off by the additive moving to the surface. Good prep can solve that though.
 
#13 ·
Yea its pretty common in areas where people do not maintain their cars. I clean my tires regularly and apply tire shine at every wash and get 0 of the discoloring. ever
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top