sugar and water.

[A_G]

Ok this i heard from my dad. the tires arent dry rotted but the rubber isnt soft anymore. So he said rub sugar and water on there and it will make the rubber soft and plyable. And then amorall it.

Is there any truth to this?

Anthony

[Supermike]

I've always been told that armorall breaks down rubber and that you shouldn't use it on tires, etc. Not sure how much truth there is to that, though. Armorall's website says it's ok -- http://www.armorall.com/faqs_interior.html

Can I use Armor All® Protectant on rubber?
Yes. Armor All® Protectant products are specially designed to protect, clean and shine rubber surfaces. Using Armor All® Protectant regularly is an easy way to help protect your rubber surfaces from cracking, UV damage, fading or discoloration.

My dad used to say that lemon and water was good for cleaning rubber, though.

[studdmstr]

I don't like using armorall, it leaves a greasy residue and it turns your tires brown.

[ICEMAN6166]

brake fluid will do the same thing, not highly recommended but it swells the rubber and will close cracks up.
i dont use armorall because i dont like brown tires either.
i have had dash pads crack from armor all too, from shrinking when it gets cold.

[wt4speed#2]

I know in the early 80's my uncle had a full service station in a small west Texas town. He did alot of service and detailing for the oil companies employee's company vehicles . He used sugar water on the tires and any black or dark colored rubber moldings such ad bumper guards and what not. He only used armour all on the vinyl like the seats and dash . He had a lot of repeat business as his wash jobs were notorious for holding up well on dusty roads because the dust didn't stick to the tires. stayed looking clean a lot longer.

Tony B