Tire protectant / carbon ceramic brakes | FerrariChat
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Tire protectant / carbon ceramic brakes

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by rafo, Dec 19, 2005.

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  1. rafo

    rafo Karting

    Jun 6, 2005
    189
    CA
    #1 rafo, Dec 19, 2005
    I have heard not to use tire protectant (armour all, etc) on tires where there are carbon ceramic brakes. Apparently, if the stuff gets on the rotors, you may cause the chemicals will seep into the rotors and braking will not be as effective. I could very carefully apply and wipe down the tire afterwards, but you still risk some small amounts getting inside the wheel when you start moving.

    With the 430s now offering these type of brakes as an option, I am sure this problem (if it truly exists) is getting more common. What protectant are people using now? Is there a safe tire protectant? I dont really care about "protecting" the tires... i just want that wet look
     
  2. jungathart

    jungathart Guest

    Jun 11, 2004
    3,376
    NoVA, AmeriKa
    Full Name:
    Komrade Jung
    #2 jungathart, Dec 20, 2005
    If you want that wet look, then you're relegated to using products containing silicone, which over time can actually mar the surface finish.
    I recommend Griot's "rubber and vinyl cleaner", as well as other of their products, for your fine cars. :)

    www.griotsgarage.com
     
  3. Tifoso1

    Tifoso1 F1 Rookie

    Nov 18, 2003
    2,600
    Pacific NW
    Full Name:
    Anthony C.
    #3 Tifoso1, Dec 20, 2005
    There is a simple way around this. Just put the protectant into a container of sort and brush them on with a paint brush instead of spraying them on. This way you avoid getting any onto the car, wheels or discs.
     
  4. mw575

    mw575 F1 Rookie

    May 30, 2001
    2,924
    Lake Oswego,Or
    Full Name:
    Martin J Weiner,M.D.
    #4 mw575, Dec 20, 2005
    Great idea, Anthony C!!
     
  5. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,572
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #5 Bullfighter, Dec 20, 2005
    And do it sparingly. The way some dealers gloss the tires you end up with spatter in and around the wheel well. Not sure if it would hit the brakes, but who knows.
     
  6. Giovanni_P

    Giovanni_P Formula Junior

    Nov 11, 2003
    368
    MetroWest, MA
    Full Name:
    John Pelliccio
    #6 Giovanni_P, Dec 21, 2005
    A number of companies (I have one from Maguire's) make tire dressing sponges now. They conform to the shape of the sidewall. I just squirt some of this Maguire's gel onto the sponge and apply it to the sidewalls that way, then buff with a clean cloth.

    I expect that you could use this sidewall sponge for any sort of product that you like.

    -Gio P
     
  7. peterp

    peterp F1 Veteran

    Aug 31, 2002
    6,634
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Peter
    #7 peterp, Dec 21, 2005
    There are sponges available at most auto parts store that are specially designed for this. They are a curved "grey foam" sponge that matches the tire curve backed by yellow rubber for a handle. These pretty much eliminate any risk of contamination because you spray the protectant onto the sponge and then apply to the tire -- the whole process takes about 20 seconds. The sponges are about $3 and are available at Autozone, Pep Boys, etc.

    Regarding the protectant, 303 Aerospace Protectant is very good -- I don't know if it is really "safe" for the rotors, but it doesn't contain any silicon and doesn't have an oily feel so it will definitely do less damage than Armorall-type products. 303 gives a very "light gloss" look (it also conditions the rubber and has SPF 30 UV protection) -- but it isn't as glossy as the typical tire dressing. If you really want high gloss, then 303 might not be the best product. I prefer the low gloss look of 303, but some might prefer more shine.
     

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