If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your brake cleaner all that much. But if you use it often, or even just once in a while, you should know that it can potentially damage your tires. In this article, we’ll discuss the dangers of brake cleaners and how to avoid them.
We’ll also talk about some alternatives to brake cleaner that won’t damage your tires. So whether you’re a professional mechanic or just someone who likes to do their car repairs, read on for information that could save you from costly tire damage!
To answer the question do brake cleaners damage your tires? The answer is yes, a brake cleaner will or can eventually indirectly damage your tires especially if it is a non-chlorinated brake cleaner. If you use too much brake cleaner or leave it on your tires for extended periods, it can break down the rubber and cause premature wear.
It can also cause the tread to separate from the tire, which can lead to a blowout. That’s why it’s important to be careful when using brake cleaner and to follow the directions on the label also when you use a brake cleaner, you need to clean all residues immediately.
Brake cleaner is a solvent that’s used to clean brake parts and remove brake fluid, grease, and other contaminants. It’s made of chemicals that are designed to break down grime and build-up. But these same chemicals can also damage your tires if you’re not careful. When using brake cleaner, always wear gloves and eye protection. And be sure to ventilation the area well to avoid inhaling the fumes.
Types of brake cleaners
There are different types of brake cleaners, and each has its own set of risks.
1. Chlorinated brake cleaners:
These are the most common type of brake cleaners. They’re effective at removing grease, oil, and other contaminants. But they can also damage your tires if you use too much or leave them on for too long.
It is important to clean your tires immediately after using a chlorinated brake cleaner.
2. Non-chlorinated brake cleaners:
These are less common, but they’re also less likely to damage your tires. That’s because they don’t contain the same chemicals that can break down the rubber in your tires.
However, non-chlorinated brake cleaners can still be harmful if you use too much or leave them on for too long. So it’s important to follow the directions on the label and clean your tires immediately after using a non-chlorinated brake cleaner.
Can you apply brake cleaner with your tires on?
If you have to thoroughly clean your brake system, you need to disassemble the various brake parts or suspension parts such as brake pads, brake rotors, brake discs, brake linings, and the brake calipers units or assembly. This will warrant you removing the tires before.
Most brake cleaners have wax surface protectants, making it possible for them to act as a dust remover and agitate crud or residues deposited on the tires without causing any damage to them.
However, if you want to clean the exterior part of your brake system, which should be mostly the case, you can choose not to remove the tires. This takes us into the next subtopic on how to do that effectively.
How do you spray brake cleaner without removing the tires?
In the ensuing paragraphs, I will show you how you can effectively use a brake cleaner without having or needing to remove your car tires. These steps only apply to and are to be followed if you aim to only clean the exterior part of the brake system.
Step 1: Set your car on a flat surface
Before you begin anything, make sure the car is parked on a stable surface and well-aerated space. This way, your car is steady and ready to be worked on.
Step 2: Prepare your brake cleaner
Once you have bought or got out your brake cleaner, brake cleaners are easily found in auto parts stores, follow the instructions on how to prepare it. Some will come in a can that you have to mix with water while some others come as-is.
Preparing your brake cleaner is essential as this will help reduce its toxicity and also enable it to work more effectively.
Steps to prepare the brake cleaner:
- Read the instruction on how to prepare your brake cleaner.
- If it comes in a can, mix it with water as directed.
- If it doesn’t come in a can, you can skip this step.
Step 3: Get ready to start
After you have prepared your brake cleaner, the next thing is to get started on cleaning the exterior part of your brake system. Make sure you are wearing gloves and eye protection before you begin spraying the brake cleaner on the surface of your car brakes, Also make sure the spray nozzle is working properly. Then, ready it for the cleaning job.
Step 4: Remove the brake dust
Start by spraying the brake cleaner on one side of the car and work your way around until you have covered all sides. Be sure to pay extra attention to areas that seem dirtier or grimier than others.
Once you’re done spraying the brake cleaner, let it sit for a few minutes so it can break down the dirt and grime.
Step 4: Wipe the wheels and soak excess cleaner
You will then need to wipe down the tires with a small detail brush. You can also remove excess brake cleaner with a lint-free cloth.
Another point to note though is that you must leave the brake parts to air dry for some minutes before deciding to drive off again.
Repeat this process until you’re satisfied with the results. And that’s it! You’ve successfully cleaned your car brakes without having to remove the tires.
Cleaning your car brakes is an important part of maintaining your vehicle. And while it may seem like a daunting task, it’s pretty simple – especially if you know how to do it without removing the tires. Just follow the steps outlined in this article and you’ll be good to go.
BUT you need to remove your tires!
I know I just mentioned that you can apply the brake cleaner without taking off your tires. However, you know from this write-up that you cannot thoroughly clean your brake system if you still have your tires intact.
If you continually only clean the exterior part of the brake system and ignore the other parts, there will be a build-up of brake dust on those “neglected” components. You may then begin to have issues with your braking system and this will put you and other road users at risk.
After saying this, I hereby encourage you to take off the tires to expose the brake components and use the brake cleaner to get rid of the residue.
In conclusion, answering the umbrella question: yes, you can spray a brake cleaner without removing your car’s tires.
However, to ensure that your entire brake system is rid of dust or debris, you will need to remove your tires to allow you to reach all the important components of your brake system and not just the exterior.
Reasons why you shouldn’t use brake cleaner to clean your tires?
There are several reasons why it’s important to avoid using brake cleaners to clean your tires. Below are the reasons.
1. Damage the rubber on your tires.
The first reason why you should avoid using brake cleaners is that they can damage the rubber on your tires. These brake cleaners contain chemicals that can eat away at the rubber, causing it to break down and wear out prematurely over time and with repeated use.
When you continuously apply brake cleaners to your tires, it will slowly eat away at the rubber, making them more susceptible to flats and blowouts.
2. Can cause tread separation.
Brake cleaners can also cause tread separation. Tread separation is when the tread of the tire comes off of the rest of the tire. This can be caused by many things, but using brake cleaners is one way that it can happen.
When you use brake cleaners on your tires, it can break down the adhesive that holds the tread to the rest of the tire, causing it to come off. If this happens, you’ll need to replace your tires immediately as they are now unsafe to drive on.
3. Inhaling fumes can be harmful.
Another reason to avoid using brake cleaners is that inhaling the fumes can be harmful to your health. The chemicals in brake cleaners can cause respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma.
So if you must use brake cleaners, be sure to wear a respirator or work in a well-ventilated area. And always follow the directions on the label to avoid inhaling the fumes.
4. Reduce the tire’s lifespan.
Another reason to avoid using brake cleaner is that it can reduce the lifespan of your tires. Even if you don’t damage the rubber, the chemicals in brake cleaners can cause the tread to separate from the tire over time. This can lead to a blowout, which is extremely dangerous and can cause serious damage to your vehicle.
5. Can cause a blowout.
Another reason to avoid using brake cleaners is that they can cause a blowout. If you use too much brake cleaner or leave it on your tires for extended periods, it can break down the tread as mentioned earlier, and cause the tire to separate from the rim. This can be extremely dangerous and lead to an accident because the tire can come off while you’re driving.
6. Brake cleaners can be flammable
Brake cleaners can also be flammable, so it’s important to be careful when using them. Always follow the directions on the label and never use more than what is recommended. Make sure to keep your tires from any fire spark or heat source as well because this can cause the brake cleaner to ignite and cause a fire.
So there you have it, several reasons why you should avoid using brake cleaners on your tires. While they may help clean your brakes, the chemicals can cause more harm than good to your tires.
Alternative ways to clean your car tires
So what are some alternatives to brake cleaner? Here are a few options:
1. Soap and water:
The first and probably the most common, cheapest, and easiest way I would suggest to clean your tires is by using soap and water. You can use any type of soap, dish soap, car soap, etc. Just add some water and scrub your tires down. This will remove any dirt and grime without damaging the rubber.
This is probably the most gentle way to clean your tires as well. Just be sure to use a non-abrasive soap to avoid damaging the rubber.
2. Vinegar and water:
Another common household item you can use to clean your tires is vinegar and water. Vinegar is a great natural cleaner and disinfectant. Just mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bucket and scrub away. This will remove any dirt, grime, or build-up on your tires without damaging the rubber.
To apply vinegar on your tires first, mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a bowl. Use an old toothbrush to apply the mixture to the tires. Let it sit for about 15 minutes so that the vinegar has time to work. Rinse it off with water and dry with a clean cloth.
3. Baking soda:
Baking soda is another great natural cleaning agent. Just make a paste of baking soda and water and scrub away. This will remove any dirt, grime, or build-up on your tires without damaging the rubber.
To apply baking soda to your tires, first wet the tire with some water. Then, make a paste of baking soda and water in a bowl. Apply the paste to the wet tire using an old toothbrush. Let it sit for about 15 minutes so that the baking soda has time to work. Rinse it off with water and dry with a clean cloth.
4. Tire cleaner:
There are many different tire cleaners on the market that are specifically made for cleaning tires. These are usually a little more expensive than soap and water but will do a better job at cleaning your tires.
These tire cleaners can be found in any automobile shop. Just follow the directions on the label. Most tire cleaners will need to be sprayed on and then left to sit for a few minutes before being rinsed off.
5. Steam cleaner:
You can also use a steam cleaner to clean your tires. This is probably the most effective way to clean your tires but it is also the most expensive option. If you have a steam cleaner, you can use it to clean your entire car, not just the tires.
Steam cleaners are usually available for rent at your local hardware store. Just follow the directions on the label. Most steam cleaners will need to be filled with water and then left to heat up before being used.
Household items to clean your tires
There are many other household items you can use to clean your tires, but these are just a few of the most common ones. So next time you need to clean your tires, reach for something other than brake cleaner to avoid damaging the rubber. Thanks for reading!
1. Dawn dish soap:
Another common household item you can use is Dawn dish soap. Just add some water and scrub your tires down. This will remove any dirt and grime without damaging the rubber.
To apply Dawn dish soap to your tires, wet the tire with some water. Then, squirt some Dawn dish soap directly on the wet tire. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the soap into the tire. Let it sit for about 15 minutes so that the soap has time to work. Rinse it off with water and dry with a clean cloth.
2. WD-40:
WD-40 is another common household item that can be used to clean your tires. Just spray it on and wipe away any dirt, grime, or build-up. This will leave your tires looking new without damaging the rubber.
To apply WD-40 on your tires, just spray it directly on the tire. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe away any dirt, grime, or build-up. You may need to do this a few times to get all the build-up off. Once you’re done, your tires will be looking like new! Thanks for reading.
3. Lemon juice:
Lemon juice is another great natural cleaning agent. Just mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a bucket and scrub away. This will remove any dirt, grime, or build-up on your tires without damaging the rubber.
To apply lemon juice to your tires first, mix equal parts of water and lemon juice in a bowl. Use an old toothbrush to apply the mixture to the tires. Let it sit for about 15 minutes so that the lemon juice has time to work. Rinse it off with water and dry with a clean cloth.
4. Rubbing alcohol:
Rubbing alcohol is another great way to clean your tires. Just mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a bucket and scrub away. This will remove any dirt, grime, or build-up on your tires without damaging the rubber.
To apply to rub alcohol on your tires first, mix equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol in a bowl. Use an old toothbrush to apply the mixture to the tires. Let it sit for about 15 minutes so that the rubbing alcohol has time to work. Rinse it off with water and dry with a clean cloth.
Final Thoughts
Now you know, that it is not a safe practice to apply brake cleaners on your tires even though this method is widely used. Be sure to use one of the above methods that won’t damage your tires. Do you have a favorite method of cleaning your tires? Let us know in the comments below! Thanks for reading!`
