Why Are My Tires Turning Brown?

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If you’ve ever wondered what causes tires to turn brown – the science has a few nuances. Tires that gradually shift from deep black to dull chocolate-brown are not failing, they are “blooming.”

Brown sidewalls are produced when protective antiozonant chemicals inside the rubber migrate to the surface and oxidize. Although visually unappealing, blooming shows the tire’s self-preservation system is working. Learn more

Consistent cleaning, dedicated rubber cleaners, and modern water-based dressings keep sidewalls dark while avoiding sling or long-term damage.

The Science of Tire “Bloom”: Antiozonants and 6PPD

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Antiozonants extend service life; the brown layer is evidence of protection rather than deterioration.

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Step 1: Deep-Clean the Rubber Use a dedicated tire/rubber cleaner marketed for bloom removal. Products include P&S Undressed, Adam’s Wheel & Tire Cleaner, CarPro ReTyre, or Tuf Shine Tire Cleaner.

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Step 2: Apply a Water-Based Dressing or Coating Pro detailers on report best results with satin, water-based formulas that cure dry to the touch and resist sling. Sling is when product gets slung off tires and onto the paint of the vehicle from driving.

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- Rubber-Specific Cleaners - Modern Dressings - Tire Coatings - Ozone-Free Storage Covers

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Why Are My Tires Turning Brown?

If you’ve ever wondered what causes tires to turn brown – the science has a few nuances. Tires that gradually shift from deep black to dull chocolate-brown are not failing, they are “blooming.”

Consistent cleaning, dedicated rubber cleaners, and modern water-based dressings keep sidewalls dark while avoiding sling or long-term damage.

The Science of Tire “Bloom”: Antiozonants and 6PPD

Manufacturers blend antiozonants, most commonly N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N’-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), into sidewall compounds to fight ozone cracks and UV degradation.

Antiozonants extend service life; the brown layer is evidence of protection rather than deterioration.

Does Browning Harm the Tire?

Step 1: Deep-Clean the Rubber Use a dedicated tire/rubber cleaner marketed for bloom removal. Products include P&S Undressed, Adam’s Wheel & Tire Cleaner, CarPro ReTyre, or Tuf Shine Tire Cleaner.

Cleaning vs. Dressing

Step 2: Apply a Water-Based Dressing or Coating Pro detailers on report best results with satin, water-based formulas that cure dry to the touch and resist sling. Sling is when product gets slung off tires and onto the paint of the vehicle from driving.

- Rubber-Specific Cleaners - Modern Dressings - Tire Coatings - Ozone-Free Storage Covers

Products That Help Slow Browning

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