How to Effectively Maintain Rubber – Best Practices

Over time, rubber can be prone to drying and cracking. The degradation process is accelerated by all kinds of stresses and loads caused by external factors. Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring the durability of rubber products. In this article, we will point out the best methods for effective rubber maintenance.

Rubber Maintenance - what is it?

Rubber maintenance is an activity that prevents it from hardening or softening. It prevents costly failures and extends the lifespan of rubber products. Preventive maintenance is particularly important for gaskets and O-rings, which play a key role in various industries.

Why does rubber require maintenance?

Over time, unprotected rubber will perish due to, among other things, typical atmospheric factors such as heat, light, and ozone. Degradation negatively affects the mechanical properties of elastomeric products (gaskets, O-rings), shortening their lifespan. Stresses and reactive gases, such as ozone, accelerate the aging of elastomers, causing them to dry out, harden, and crack.

Rubber gaskets provide a hermetic seal between two surfaces. They protect against gas and liquid leaks, the ingress of contaminants, and also provide insulation against temperature differences and vibrations. Under the influence of heat, dirt, or other factors, they can dry out and crumble, which carries the risk of losing performance and effectiveness.

Maintaining the elasticity of rubber requires minor maintenance using specialized preparations. This will prevent unwanted damage and failures of elastomeric elements.

Maintenance of car gaskets

Frost and low temperatures are undoubtedly the biggest enemies of rubber elements. If water accumulates around the gaskets, negative temperatures will cause them to freeze, which in turn will block the doors or, worse, allow moisture to get inside the vehicle. Note: do not yank on frozen doors, as this may risk damage and the need to replace the handle.

So how can you protect rubber elements in your car from aging, cracking, and premature wear? It's simple. At the Power Rubber store, we offer specialized products that will protect your car's rubber parts from the elements. You will read about them later in this article.

What to use to lubricate other rubber elements in the car?

There are many products you can use in your car, for example:

Tire foam - the product slows down the aging and cracking process of the rubber. It is applied directly to the sidewall of the tire and rubbed in with a sponge or cloth. It should not be used directly on the tread. The foam protects the tire surface from fading and also restores its black color.

Trim dressing - among the wide range of products available on the market, you can choose a product for maintaining cars equipped with rubber protective strips on doors and bumpers. The product is available in a spray form, which facilitates application.

Automatic transmission oil additive - ensures sealing and prevents oil leaks from the transmission. It prevents the hardening of seals in the transmission.

Engine and power steering sealers - a product added to the oil eliminates leaks and increases the sealer's performance.

How to effectively maintain rubber? Below we present the best methods, here they are:

Technical petroleum jelly

Technical petroleum jelly is a byproduct of crude oil refining. The main component of petroleum jelly is saturated hydrocarbons. This semi-solid substance has hydrophobic properties, effectively protecting against moisture. It forms a protective coating that also protects against external factors such as water, oxygen, and even some chemicals, as well as airborne dust and pollutants. It is resistant to UV radiation, which protects the rubber from drying, crumbling, and discoloration.

Before using the product, remove dirt from the rubber surface. Then, massage a thin layer of petroleum jelly into the material to prevent drying and cracking. It is a proven agent for lubricating rubber products. It creates a protective layer that prevents rubber elements, including vehicle gaskets, from freezing. The product is sold in various packages that facilitate its application. Excess can be removed with a dry cloth.

Silicone spray

Silicone spray is a product that is perfect for lubricating, sealing, protecting, refreshing, and maintaining various types of surfaces, including rubber, plastics, and metal.

Caring for rubber with silicone spray restores its shine and improves its visual condition. The product has anti-corrosive properties, is waterproof, and is also resistant to weather conditions. It is characterized by exceptional mechanical and thermal stability. It can work in extreme temperatures - in winter, it prevents gaskets and car door locks from drying out and freezing. It does not stick to the car body.

Silicone spray regenerates rubber elements, prevents them from drying, crumbling, and cracking, and also helps maintain the elasticity of the rubber.

Reliable rubber maintenance products available at the Power Rubber store

At the Power Rubber store, we offer maintenance products that have been developed to nourish and maintain the elasticity of rubber. The waterproof protective coating protects elastomers from external factors. It prevents oxidative and thermal aging, extending the lifespan of rubber elements.

If you have any questions, please contact us by phone: +48 22 292 40 24 or +48 50 516 03 03, or by email (power|powerrubber.com| rel="nofollow"|Power|PowerRubber.com) or through our contact form