I think it depends on the kind of tire shine product you use. Some are good for the tire as they contain protectants and rubber conditioners that help prevent tire rot. Others that have solvents and silicone are said to promote tire rot.Fritz2 wrote:Regarding the tire gel, I don't use tire shine anymore as many people have told me it degrades the rubber and leads to premature sidewall cracking. I just wash and leave the standard dry look, tire shine looks so good though!
Personally, I think it's somewhat irrelevant. Quite frankly, I drive enough to the point where the tire's treads will wear out before sidewall cracking occurs. By the time I noticed sidewall cracking on the OE Dunlops, the tread was also low and the tires were worn unevenly due to the Kizashi's factory alignment issue. Basically, the tires were done by the time the sidewall cracking was an issue. I also think higher quality tires will be more resistant to sidewall cracking from their rubber formulation.
It seems that sidewall cracking is most prevalent on old neglected tires, indicating that age and neglect, not products used, has the most to do with it.
