What Causes Tires to Turn Yellow?

[MartinMarie]

Tire yellowing is caused by the free migration of sulfur elements from the rubber, issues with vulcanization process quality, and the use of inferior tire wax. Below are detailed explanations: 1. Vulcanization Process: To enhance tire durability, engineers add carbon black and sulfur to the rubber. During tire manufacturing, there's a specific process called vulcanization. Tire yellowing is essentially the color of sulfur. 2. Vulcanization Process Quality Issues: If the vulcanization process is improperly executed during tire production, it may lead to sulfur element precipitation over time. As tire usage duration increases, the tire will gradually turn yellow. 3. Problem with Cheap, Inferior Tire Wax: The principle of tire wax is to utilize the hygroscopicity of inorganic salts to keep the tire surface moist and appear glossy. However, frequent use of inferior tire wax can corrode the tire, accelerate aging, and cause sulfur element precipitation, resulting in tire yellowing.