Finding yourself in a region that often has heavy rainfall proves to be problematic when driving around and looking for parking areas.
When parked in a big puddle of water, my first thought would be about how my shoes may get wet, but I never think of how my tires may fare parked in a puddle for an extended period throughout the day.
With that said, is it safe for tires to stand in water?
Car tires that sit in water are not affected in any way. Long before you notice any negative impacts from water, you will replace the tires due to wear and tear. Because metal rusts in high water, it might cause problems with your brakes, suspension system, and the rims on the wheels of your car.
Vehicles like a dry environment, but if the air is humid, it doesn’t matter if the car is driving or parked over a large puddle because air humidity does more harm than water to your wheels. So, does water have no part to play in the lifespan of a tire?
Are Tires Water Proof?
Automobile tires have come a long way to accommodate all vehicles, terrains, uses, weights, and speeds. What all the tire makes and models have in common is the fact that they are all waterproof.
Tires are incredibly compact and waterproof because modern tires are made out of 10 – 15 components, including natural and synthetic rubber. Fabric is included to create a more rubberized material to help reinforce the tire.
One of the various tire designs is to remain compact on the rim of a wheel and hold immense air pressure, ideally to prevent anything from entering and air from exiting.
Waterproofing has even been discovered as an innovative application for waste tires. They can now waterproof a range of other objects thanks to specialized recycling processes like those supplied by Eco Green Equipment.
Even though some tires are engineered to change shape to benefit the vehicle’s speed slightly or simply take a sharp corner, it is safe to say that water can not damage, penetrate or soak into your wheels in any way.
The only time water would be a concern would be when a car would drive over a puddle at an immense speed, causing it to hydroplane.
When a layer of water accumulates between your tires and the pavement, your vehicle loses traction and can even spin out of control, a condition known as hydroplaning. It’s most likely to happen during the initial few minutes of light rain, when the rain combines with oil residue on the road, making the road slippery.
Is It Ok If Water Went Into Your Tire?
It’s not very often that you’ll find that a tire pump has a buildup of water in the hose, but don’t be surprised when you come across this when you pump up your wheels and depending on the pump, you might find that 2 – 3 tablespoons of water might be pumped up inside before the air got to it.
Water may be problematic. The water expands quicker than the air when the tire heats up. Water can harm the transmitters in your car’s wheels if it has a tire-pressure monitoring system. It can turn to ice in cold temperatures, causing a balancing issue.
One method for removing water from your tire is to remove the tire from the rim and then have both the air and water removed. To ensure no water buildup in the pump, press in the inflater valve for a second or two to dispel any water in the hose before filling up your tires.
How Oxygen Aand Water Can Damage The Rest Of Your Wheel
Corrosion, also known as oxidation, is caused by an electrochemical interaction between iron, oxygen, and water, resulting in rust. Metals can rust when exposed to environmental conditions and chemicals. Water and oxygen may readily damage the rim and wheel, speeding up the tire’s wear and tear.
Rust particles can also clog valves in the wheel and transmission systems, causing expensive damage.
In the United States, drivers spend an immense amount each year on rust-related repairs, with each occurrence costing up to $500. The expense of replacing several damaged wheels can rapidly mount up.
Knowing Your Types Of Wheels
The type of material used to construct wheels has an impact on their corrosion resistance. Steel and aluminum alloy are the two most used wheel materials.
Steel
Steel wheels are standard in low-cost cars because they are cheap and straightforward. Steel rims, on the other hand, are heavier and more susceptible to oxidation.
Aluminum
The majority of automobiles use aluminum-alloy wheels or a combination of aluminum and magnesium wheels. Aluminum is more oxidation resistant, although it interacts badly with iron.
Diagnosing The Reasons For Wheel Corrosion
Pitting, iron contamination, and detergents are all common causes of wheel rust.
Pitting
When the factory clear finish peels off, steel and alloy wheels can corrode. The environment can compromise the transparent layer and inhibit corrosion, exposing the underlying metal to air and water. It results in pitting, which can detract from the appearance of the wheels and lead to tire leakage.
Contamination with Iron
Steel and aluminum alloy wheels may rust as a result of iron contamination caused by brake pads. When the brake pad and the brake disc collide, heat is generated, which causes the brake pad to wear away progressively.
The brake pad that is degrading emits hot deposits that cling to the rim. These metal and resin particles may significantly impact the appearance and longevity of your alloy rims.
To avoid severe pitting, have a professional remove the iron deposits from your wheels regularly. Extreme pitting, if left unattended, will necessitate a wheel refinishing service to restore the shine of your rims.
Detergents
While many individuals use acid-based cleaners to clean their car rims, when left on the wheel for a prolonged time, the cleansers can peel away the factory clear finish, resulting in oxidation.
Caring For Your Wheels
Make sure you clean, polish, and plate your wheels correctly to prevent rust.
Cleaning
Clean your wheels regularly to avoid iron contamination and brake dust collection. Use a pH-balanced cleaner that won’t remove the clear coating on the wheel.
Polishing
After you have cleaned your wheels properly, choose a polish that is suitable for them. Using a proper polish will reduce the visibility of scratches and increase gloss.
Plating
Consider getting your wheels electroplated with popular plating metals like chrome, zinc, nickel, and others by a professional. Plating improves the cosmetic value of your wheel while also reducing the impacts of oxidation.
Conclusion
Parking for long periods in a puddle of water or throughout a rainy season will not harm your car’s tires. You’re more likely to get dry rot on your tires before water could do any harm to them. However, depending on how deep the water flows, your car’s suspension and rims may suffer the price instead over time.
Corrosion-related car damage may be costly. Preventative procedures such as plating, cleaning, and polishing may appear to be extra costs, but they are ultimately worthwhile.