Is Mold on Car Tires a Serious Issue?

[DeValeria]

Tires affected by mold may exhibit surface cracking, stickiness, hardening, softening, powdering, discoloration, and mold growth, which can compromise their appearance. Additionally, mold on tires produces Penicillium and Streptomyces bacteria, whose invasion accelerates tire aging, increasing the risk of blowouts and potentially leading to traffic accidents that endanger lives. Below are the causes of tire mold and preventive measures: Causes of Tire Mold: The primary components of tires include rubber, carbon black, steel wires, zinc sulfur oxide, and desulfurization agents, among others. Among these, rubber, as the main constituent in tire manufacturing, is the key factor leading to tire mold. Measures to Remove Tire Mold: If mold has already appeared on tires and is affecting warehouse walls and shelves, evenly spray AEM5700B (a small amount in other passageways) from the ground up to a height of 3 meters. After spraying, close doors and windows for at least 12 hours. For stubborn, localized mold stains that cannot be cleaned, use a cotton cloth dipped in AEM5700B to wipe them clean.

[LaRiver]

Recently, I noticed the issue of tire mold and wondered if it's a safety concern. Mold growing on the tire surface is usually caused by prolonged parking in damp places, such as poorly ventilated garages or heavy dew during the rainy season. Although these mold spots may seem small, if they spread, they can corrode the tire rubber layer, making the material brittle and prone to cracks. If this leads to skidding or a blowout while driving, it could be a serious problem. I recommend first checking the overall condition of the tires for any bulges or signs of aging. If none are found, simply rinse them with water and scrub them with neutral soap. However, if there's extensive mold and a foul odor, it's best to replace the tires to ensure safety. Additionally, to prevent this issue, try parking in dry areas and consider using tire covers to block moisture. In short, tire health directly affects driving safety, so don't neglect regular maintenance.

[EvaRose]

As a car enthusiast, dealing with moldy tires promptly is essential. Mold is mostly caused by a damp environment, such as parking the car in a wet corner of the garage or in coastal cities with humid air. While driving in the short term may not pose an issue, prolonged exposure can accelerate rubber aging, leading to surface cracks, reduced shock absorption, and compromised driving stability. I've learned my lesson—when mold appears, I rinse off the stains with water and gently scrub with a tire cleaner. Avoid using strong acids or alkalis, as they can cause faster damage. Additionally, it's advisable to place desiccants near the car when parked or minimize window openings during the rainy season to prevent moisture. Regular tire inspections can also help avoid costly repairs—safety always comes first.

[VonSebastian]

Hey, when I bought my first car, the tires also got moldy, which scared me into thinking they were done for. Actually, most of the time, those mold spots are just surface dirt—wash them off and it's no big deal. But if the mold is really severe, it means the tires have been damaged by moisture, and if left untreated, they might suddenly become unstable on the highway, leading to an accident, which would be a huge loss. I usually park in a well-ventilated spot and use a soft brush to clean off the mold spots; or I buy some moisture-proof pads to place under the tires. Simply put, mold is a minor issue, but don’t be lazy about dealing with it.