Routine Car Tire Maintenance Prevents Rubber Damage and Aquaplaning

Vehicle owners are encouraged to regularly clean their tires to maintain performance and driving safety under various road conditions. This simple step is not only about aesthetics but also plays a crucial role in extending the lifespan of the vehicle's rubber components.

Michelin Indonesia Product Manager, Mochammad Fachrul Rozi, explained that many drivers still have the misconception that cleaning tires is only for maintaining a shiny appearance. According to Otomotif, this maintenance actually serves a vital function in thoroughly monitoring the physical condition of the tires.

“Regularly cleaning the tires helps prevent the buildup of dirt, mud, and chemical substances such as oil or grease that can damage the tire rubber. If left unchecked, the tire rubber can become brittle more quickly and accelerate the aging process,” said Fachrul, Product Manager of Michelin Indonesia.

The accumulation of foreign substances that are not promptly cleaned can trigger earlier degradation of the rubber material. Fachrul added that clean tire conditions provide an additional benefit for owners in detecting any anomalies on the tire surface.

“Regularly cleaning the tires helps prevent the buildup of dirt, mud, and chemical substances such as oil or grease that can damage the tire rubber. If left unchecked, the tire rubber can become brittle more quickly and accelerate the aging process,” said Fachrul, Product Manager of Michelin Indonesia.

In addition to material durability issues, the cleanliness of the tire grooves directly affects the vehicle’s grip on the road surface. Dirt that clogs the grooves can hinder water evacuation, thereby increasing the risk of aquaplaning or the vehicle hydroplaning on water.

“No special treatment is needed; it’s enough to clean them periodically with soapy water and a soft brush, especially after driving on muddy roads or after rain,” said Fachrul, Product Manager of Michelin Indonesia.

Applying the correct cleaning procedure using simple tools can ensure the tires continue to function optimally. This effort is part of mitigating the risk of accidents caused by tire damage, which often goes unnoticed by car owners.