When tires are parked for extended periods, blooming does not occur and ozone quickly attacks the tire polymer. With UV light and ozone working in concert, the degradation is accelerated, resulting in drying, discoloration and cracking. To combat the negative effects of water, solvents and UV light on tires, the car care industry has created tire dressings. These dressings condition the tire, restoring essential moisture. These penetrating-type silicones form a flexible protective shield on rubber.
Liquid silicone seals small openings with a film to prevent penetration of moisture and dirt.
Most silicone dressings leave a never-dry gloss film. There are many myths regarding silicone, specifically the negative long-term effects of silicone on rubber and vinyl. The fact is, silicone is an inert material. The benefit of silicone is its ability to easily penetrate the tire s surface and not evaporate. Some silicone-based dressings contain petroleum distillates as a cleaning agent.