Is It Harmful for Car Tires to Soak in Water?
2 Answers
Short-term soaking of car tires in water is not harmful. However, if car tires are soaked in water for a long time, or if the car is parked in stagnant water where the water level reaches the wheel hub, the impact on the wheel hub and brake components can be significant. Since wheel hubs and brake components are mostly made of metal, soaking in water can cause oxidation reactions, leading to rust on the wheel hub and brake parts, which in turn affects the car's braking performance. Tires are rubber products and are insoluble in water. They are vulcanized, offering high corrosion resistance and heat resistance, so short-term soaking in water is acceptable. However, prolonged soaking in water can still have some effects. Due to friction with the ground, the tire surface develops indentations, allowing some pollutants to enter the tire. When these pollutants come into contact with water, chemical reactions may occur, potentially damaging the tire. Things to note if car parts rust after soaking in water: If rust does occur, it can be resolved by lightly sanding with fine sandpaper. However, if the corrosion is severe, replacement is necessary. Even if the rusted parts are sanded off as much as possible, it can still affect braking performance (e.g., steering wobble during braking, unusual noises, etc.). Moreover, wheel hubs and brake components are different—they are made of metal and can undergo oxidation reactions with standing water. Over time, this can corrode the metal parts (rusting), significantly impacting the car's braking performance. For daily tire maintenance, pay attention to the following: Regularly inspect the tire surface for cracks, deformations, or other defects. Due to driving wear, the tread grooves gradually become shallow. If the tread wears out completely, it loses its water drainage and anti-slip functions, greatly reducing the car's performance. Small cracks can also become hazards for tire blowouts at high speeds. Additionally, promptly remove pebbles stuck in the grooves. Park on flat ground whenever possible. Avoid parking on roads with thick, sharp, or pointed stones. Do not park near or in contact with petroleum products, acids, or other materials that can deteriorate rubber. After parking, avoid turning the steering wheel, as this accelerates tire wear. Do not splash water to cool tires. In hot weather or during high-speed driving, tires can overheat, increasing air pressure. In such cases, park to allow the tires to cool naturally. Avoid releasing air to reduce pressure or splashing water to cool them, as this can cause abnormal aging of the tread rubber. Avoid sudden braking. Try to minimize frequent or hard braking to prevent accelerated tread wear from dragging against the ground.
Leaving tires submerged in water can indeed cause issues, especially during prolonged immersion. As someone who frequently drives during rainy seasons, I've noticed that if tires remain underwater for several hours in flooded areas, the rubber tends to degrade faster, and tiny cracks may appear on the tire surface. During inspection, pay special attention to whether the tire pressure remains stable, as water infiltration into the wheel hub can cause rusting and affect braking performance. Once, after leaving my car parked in a puddle for an entire day, I observed slight sidewall bulging, which made driving feel unstable. It's advisable to clean tires promptly after water exposure and conduct a thorough inspection before the next trip to prevent potential accidents during high-speed driving that could compromise road safety. Regular maintenance is crucial – simply drying tires after each car wash can prevent most problems.
