How to Effectively Maintain Rubber – Best Practices

Over time, rubber can dry out and crack. External factors like tension and environmental stress accelerate the degradation process. Proper rubber maintenance is essential for ensuring durability and performance. In this article, we highlight the most effective ways to preserve rubber.

What is Rubber Maintenance?

Rubber maintenance refers to preventing the material from hardening or softening excessively. It protects against costly failures and extends the service life of rubber products. Preventive maintenance is especially important for rubber seals and O-rings, which play a key role in various industries.

Why Does Rubber Need Maintenance?

Unprotected rubber will naturally deteriorate over time due to common atmospheric conditions such as heat, sunlight, and ozone. Degradation weakens the mechanical properties of elastomeric products like seals and O-rings, leading to a shorter lifespan. Environmental stress and reactive gases like ozone speed up the ageing process, causing the rubber to dry, harden, and crack.

Rubber seals are used to create airtight barriers between surfaces, preventing gas and fluid leaks, contamination, and insulating against temperature fluctuations and vibrations. When exposed to heat, dirt, or other environmental factors, seals can dry out and crumble, compromising their efficiency and functionality.

Maintaining rubber elasticity requires minimal effort when using specialised maintenance products. These help prevent damage and extend the lifespan of elastomeric components.

Car Seal Maintenance

Cold weather and freezing temperatures are among the biggest threats to rubber components. If water accumulates around car seals, freezing can lock doors shut or allow moisture to enter the vehicle. Important: Never force open frozen car doors, as this could damage the handle.

How to Protect Car Rubber Parts from Ageing and Cracking?

At Power Rubber, we offer specialised maintenance products to protect your vehicle’s rubber parts from harsh weather. Here are some recommended products and methods:

What to Use on Other Rubber Parts in a Car?

• Tyre foam – slows down the ageing and cracking of rubber. Apply directly to the tyre’s sidewall and rub in with a sponge or cloth. Do not apply to the tread. It prevents fading and restores the tyre’s black finish.

• Trim care products – ideal for maintaining rubber door trims and bumpers. Available in spray form for easy application.

• Automatic transmission oil additive – keeps seals flexible and prevents oil leaks from the gearbox.

• Engine and steering rack sealants – added to engine oil to stop leaks and improve seal performance.

The Best Ways to Maintain Rubber

Technical Petroleum Jelly

Technical petroleum jelly is a semi-solid substance derived from petroleum refining. Rich in saturated hydrocarbons, it has hydrophobic properties that protect against moisture. It forms a barrier against water, oxygen, some chemicals, and airborne dust and dirt. It also protects rubber from UV radiation, preventing it from drying out, crumbling, or discolouring.

Before use, clean the rubber surface. Then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly and massage it into the material to prevent drying and cracking. It’s a proven solution for lubricating rubber products and preventing vehicle seals from freezing. It is available in various containers for easy application. Excess can be wiped off with a dry cloth.

Rubber Component Maintenance

Silicone Spray

Silicone spray is perfect for lubricating, sealing, protecting, refreshing, and maintaining various surfaces, including rubber, plastic, and metal.

Using silicone spray on rubber restores its shine and improves its appearance. It offers corrosion protection, water resistance, and excellent weather durability. It performs well in extreme temperatures, helping to prevent seals and locks from freezing in winter. It also doesn’t stick to car paint.

Silicone spray revitalises rubber components, keeping them soft and elastic while preventing cracking and brittleness.

Reliable Rubber Maintenance Products from Power Rubber

At Power Rubber, we offer specially formulated rubber maintenance products that nourish and preserve rubber elasticity. Their waterproof coating protects elastomers from external conditions, preventing oxidative and thermal ageing, and extending product lifespan.

For any questions, feel free to contact us by phone: +48 22 292 40 24 or +48 50 516 03 03, by email: Power@PowerRubber.com, or via our contact form.