Can you soften car tires

Answer 1

The tire engineer did say that while you can soften tires with solvents, what is done to the rubber is untested and an unknown especially if a home brew is used. It may present a safety problem. As a result, he said that is why most tire manufacturers recommend extreme care and even avoidance in the use of solvents or any other fluids for tire hardness control or stickiness. For those who do use tire softeners, the use of a commercial brand from a reputable supplier with a history and application instructions is an alternative.

* http://www.racecarbook.com/articles/traction.shtmlTire softener:

* http://www.stockcarproducts.com/acc19a.htm Tire softeners work by physically breaking down the rubber compound, making the tire softer and increasing its ability to grip and hold the racetrack. The active ingredients in all but a select few of the softening products are hydrocarbons - chemicals like toluene and benzene - that are proven to cause cancer when ingested in even small quantities. These chemicals are easily absorbed through the skin, or inhaled as microscopic, airborne particles. Virtually every expert I spoke to -- other than the manufacturers themselves - stated unequivocally that anyone using tire softener is literally taking their life in their hands. In fact, the manufacturers themselves put warning labels on their products, cautioning users to avoid physical contact with the chemicals, and recommending the use of respirators, rubber gloves, and indoor ventilation systems when using them.

* http://www.outsidegroove.com/SpeedReading/speedreading_07252002.htm