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This is not specifically Packard related, although I am looking to use it on my Packards. I have Wide Whites that started yellowing. I have always used, and still use Bleche White. I used it the other day on those yellowing white walls and they are back to being nice and bright.

My question relates to tire shine products. I have a bottle of Black Magic Tire Wet that I want to spray on the black of the tire to shine it up. My question specifically is, does anyone have any idea if it will cause any odd staining if I get it on those now bright whites? I suppose I could just spray it on a cloth or sponge and just wipe it on where needed, but frankly, my legs, knees, and back don't work as well as they used to and even that relatively easy task manages to take a day to recover from. Any one with insight on this? The bottle and their website doesn't say anything about not getting it on white walls.

On my white walls, I use a "magic eraser" soaked in the same soapy water I use to wash the car in.

A lot of the white wall tire manufacturers especially say not to use Bleche White or other harsh chemicals.

On my Bedford tires I've found just soapy water and a soft bristle brush to be adequate. These white walls have not exhibited "yellowing".

The current Bleche-White (by Black Magic) is an entirely different and less aggressive formulation than the original Westley's Bleche-White. Same trade name, different products.

Thanks guys. I’m cool with the white walls. They are clean and bright. My question is if anyone knows if that Tire Magic (or similar products), applied to the black rubber of the tire after the fact, would discolor the white wall portion of the tire if it were hit by overspray or drip down. I’m trying to avoid finding out the hard way.

I've not had an issue with it. I spray it on, and the wipe it off so it doesn't drip. Also I think it makes the tires look more natural and glossy.

I'm afraid that it's the Bleche White itself that is causing it. It somehow subtly alters the surface structure of the rubber making it very susceptible to discoloration as I discovered when I used to use it on my 1952. Even using it only once is enough to damage them and the only fix is to replace the tires. Just use soap, water and a sponge.

I found this online and countless others that were similar:

Quote:

Sunlight has a yellowing effect on many materials. Protecting tires from sunlight exposure may help prevent yellowing. Tires exude a waxlike material over time and this can discolor both black and white rubber and trap road film and make tires look shabby. The film is rather hard to remove, and removing it may accelerate tire decay. Removing the film and coating the cleaned surface with some material might be helpful. Some whitewalls seem to yellow from within. I doubt if those could be cleaned effectively.

Uh, folks, Bleche White is just a strong detergent. There is no bleach. I've had no problem with it at all in the last 40 years I have been using it. It is also handy for degreasing parts before painting as it rinses off so well.

And on the internet I have also read that it makes your tires deflate. Yah.

My tires are 2 years old now, still look brand new to me. All I have done so far is to wash them when I wash the rest of the car....soap and water.

Like CartRich originally asked, I'm interested to know if applying tire shine will hurt or help. I have not done that yet to my tires because I worry that it will discolor.

-Kevin

Inflating tires with nitrogen rather than air might help prevent yellowing. It won't hurt anything, and is supposed to give more stable tire pressure with less variation due to temperature changes.