Rubber drying out solution? 1

[PeterKing]

I'm wonder if I can put something like a wax on tire rubber to slow down the rubber drying out? What to you think the best liquid in this application? Also what is the proper cleaner to use to remove the wax?

 

[GrahamBennett]

Peter, I guess you are talking about sidewall rubber? If you are, the compound used will already contain a certain amount of wax + other chemicals (antioxidants and antiozonants) to delay the onset of cracking and weather checking. Washing with hand-hot soapy water will be sufficient to remove the wax film. Do not remove the wax with solvents as these will draw the existing wax and the chemicals out of the rubber. You can use normal car wax on the sidewalls. Do not apply wax to the tread, as this will change the wet/dry braking characteristics for the worse.