Softening the tread on older tires
 

I`ve googled this and got many different answers, but since this is an eco recycle friendly forum and so many knowledgeable people write here, I`ll give it a try.

I have a set of 8 year old Michelins with a lot of tread and overall excellent condition except the tread which has become too hard. It squeaks a little when taking turns and overall grip is lacking so it`s a safety issue I`d like to solve.
Are there any home made solutions for softening the tread? I just feel bad about scrapping these tires and want to find out if they can be rejuvenated anyhow.

Right now I`m putting diesel fuel once a day on an old spare tire to see how it goes and it does seem a little softer, but any proven solutions would be appreciated.
People advise all sorts of paint thinner, kerosene, ATF but I`d love to hear for a permanent solution, if it gives me just a year more of life on these babies, it would be awesome.

I'd be tempted to try soaking it in water, I know that when they make new plastic or rubber parts they make sure that the moisture content in whatever it's sealed in is correct.

but part of rubber drying out is it off gassing and braking down.
I'd be tempted as well just to use them for a while and see if they get better, wear the hard crust off, but you'll also find that tires that are over 6 years old are more likely to have ply separation or brake a belt and go out of round becoming a safety issue.

worriesome at best is my concern. Ive driven 8 yo tires b4 and my reaction to your attempts is justified. first as last post stated bands and belts break internally. I diddnt notice after a slight vibration that lasted 4 miles a jolt { got lucky } as whole tread separated from carcass down to steel belts.
The car behind me was much too close and tried to use it for a hat.
Result was not good but thats a diff story.
These tires came off the shelf at a dealership at super discounted price. nearly new!
If you really must put them on rear only give yourself a chance should bad things happen.
The only thing I would use to soften them and only upon tread face would be bleach.
works well at the track.

Hmm, bleach actually destroys the rubber so I`d rather try diesel fuel first.
As I`ve already said in my first post, ply separation is of negligible concern because the tires are a high end model, have been stored in the last few years and are in overall top condition. It`s just the tread that is too hard and I would more than a welcome a working solution (if it`s a redneck one, even better) to softer it for half a year, if for nothing else, just to see that it can be done.

Premium model or not, you can't change the laws of Physics (or chemistry). Rubber degrades over time - and you are already aware of some of the affects.

The tires are 8 years old, and I have heard anywhere from 6 to 10 years as a tire's life depending on where you live - hot climates (AZ, TX, CA, NV and FL): 6 years. Cold Climate (MN, ND, ID, MT, WI): 10 years

This is regardless of whether the tires are worn or not.

So I would seriously consider replacing them just due to the age. Tire failures can have tragic results and you just do not want to be part of that statistic.

But to answer your question: Diesel fuel is not a good idea. Rubber absorbs petroleum products and dissolves the rubber bonds - weakening the tire.

The only thing I am aware of that might be useful is the tire treatments that racers use - Formula V comes to mind. I have used this on my old race tires and it works. However, I have no idea if what it does is appropriate for street tires.

I've read some discussions about what is in these products and I think the possible suspects are all solvents of some sort, flammable, and carcinogens.

Overall, this doesn't sound like a good idea.

It is in a cold climate and the tires have been stored for the last few years in the dark.

i've been told bleach by a LOT of 1/4 mile guys... it probably would deteriorate the rubber a bit, but pretty much anything that would "soften" the rubber would kind of have to.

Drift racing. Lots and lots of drifting.

The problem will be gone in an afternoon.

Leave them hard and be happy- r.r. is probably lower.

Frank Lee, Woody looks at your message and laughs at you.