Brown Tires

[The Critic]

First off, I fully recognize that “brown” tires are a normal condition that does not need to be resolved.

These tires were installed two months ago. This “browning issue” appeared immediately after I cleaned the tires and wheels using a non-acid wheel cleaner. Prior to this, the tires had a perfectly normal appearance. I have never experienced this “browning issue” with other Michelin tires, but also, this is the first Michelin light-truck tire I have owned.

What happened?

 

[SatinSilver]

Those aren't bad. Spray them with Stoner's Tarminator to clean. Then Meguiars Hot Shine or something better for shine/protection.

 

[The Critic]

Looks pretty similar to @AZjeff 's situation:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/ugly-brown-michelin-tires.356004/post-6145583

I wonder if this is a normal characteristic of their truck tires.

Those aren't bad. Spray them with Stoner's Tarminator to clean. Then Meguiars Hot Shine or something better for shine/protection.

I am not concerned about a resolution, I am more interested in learning why the browning suddenly appeared after a cleaning.

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

What product did you use to clean them?

 

[The Critic]

What did you use to clean them?

Excuse the name, but Brown Royal - diluted 1:1.

https://www.flashautodetailproducts.com/product/brown-royal-non-acid-wheel-tire-cleaner/

For the record, this has never turned any other tire brown. And I’ve used it to clean hundreds of other tires…many of which were Michelin.

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

Odd. I might try another tire cleaner or degreaser with a stiff brush to see if that helps. Otherwise the only option probably is to go over it with a tire dressing that will cover it.

 

[Boomer]

You allowed waxes and other chemicals (oils, antioxidants, residual curing agents, etc) in the tire to come to the surface after wiping away a surface layer.

 

[SaberOne]

Perhaps I’d become colorblind because I don’t see much brown tinge on the tire from my M1 iPad. Are use S100 Total Cycle cleaner on my tires and wheels, and it does a good job of cleaning off crud. It’s biodegradable so I don’t have to worry about damaging the tire.

 

[Astro14]

I have the same tires. Never seen that.

But then, I only clean the wheels. I spend zero effort cleaning tires. Inspecting, checking inflation, rotating, sure, just not cleaning.

 

[KGMtech]

I once had Nokian snow tires do this 20+ years ago, nothing since.

 

[The Critic]

I have the same tires. Never seen that.

But then, I only clean the wheels. I spend zero effort cleaning tires. Inspecting, checking inflation, rotating, sure, just not cleaning.

I did not extend very much effort into cleaning the tires - I merely sprayed a small amount of the wheel cleaner onto the tire, then gave them a very quick pass with the soft wheel brush that I was using. So, I was quite surprised to find this outcome.

 

[racer12306]

I put these tires on in December.

They started getting brown 4-5 months after. I washed the truck in May, it went away for a couple days and then came back. I also did not spend a lot of time washing the tires, wheels yes, tires no. I don't even recall running a brush over them, just whatever drippage from the body and wheels.

I did get a tire protectant for the next time I wash it to try and keep it from happening. I'm not a fan of glossy tire sprays.

 

[The Critic]

Otherwise the only option probably is to go over it with a tire dressing that will cover it.

The gloss should die down (some) after it dries, but this CarPro DarkSide should hide it for a while:

 

[spasm3]

Curious what @CapriRacer has to say.

 

[MParr]

What’s the date of manufacture for the tires?

 

[The Critic]

What’s the date of manufacture for the tires?

3 are from the 11th week of 2023, 1 is from the end of 2022.

 

[MParr]

3 are from the 11th week of 2023, 1 is from the end of 2022.

That rules out old tires.

 

[CapriRacer]

The brown on the tires is likely an antioxidant that has migrated to the surface. I'll bet that cleaner caused rapid oxidation.

 

[Nukeman7]

Here is the answer to why tires turn brown and how to clean them.

 

[k1xv]

Its a feature for farm trucks that drive across a field after the manure spreader has done its job.