Brake fluid stain on tyre

Vantheman · 11th October 2020, 21:28

When bleeding the brakes on my Rover I managed to get some brake fluid on the tyre of another car (not mine and rather expensive!)
We washed it off with warm water/car shampoo but I noticed the following day when it was dry, the tyre had discoloured - light marks where the drops of brake fluid had been.
I've got brake fluid on tyres before, washed it off and never seen anything like this.
Searched on line and only found one mention of anything like this, with no solution.
Has anyone come across this or know what to do?
Cheers
Van

T-Cut · 12th October 2020, 10:40

I suppose if the tyre has ever had some form of cosmetic treatment to improve the appearance ('tyre spray'), the brake fluid (DOT4 is a form of polyglycol) may have 'dissolved' the superficial layer to reveal a slightly different rubber surface beneath. The regular application of a tyre dressing should improve the appearance.
Best Tyre Dressings: https://www.cleancartalk.co.uk/best-tyre-dressing/

TC

Vantheman · 12th October 2020, 19:42

Interesting thought - thanks. They were quite black/shiny as tyres go but I don't think he's been spraying them with anything as I tried a bit of spray on them and he asked if I had any more.
Popped into the friendly garage who MoT'd the Rover today to ask them and the chap suggested sugar soap.

T-Cut · 13th October 2020, 12:11

I believe sugar soap is pretty caustic so as a chemist, that wouldn't be my first suggestion. But if a tyre dressing didn't work, a more drastic approach may be needed. The problem here is the possibility of making the problem worse than it is. Before applying any strong chemical, I'd suggest posing the question on the valeting forum. https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...splay.php?f=51

TC

11th October 2020, 21:28	#1
Vantheman Regular poster Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Dorset/Hampshire border Posts: 55 Thanks: 27 Thanked 10 Times in 6 Posts	Brake fluid stain on tyre When bleeding the brakes on my Rover I managed to get some brake fluid on the tyre of another car (not mine and rather expensive!) We washed it off with warm water/car shampoo but I noticed the following day when it was dry, the tyre had discoloured - light marks where the drops of brake fluid had been. I've got brake fluid on tyres before, washed it off and never seen anything like this. Searched on line and only found one mention of anything like this, with no solution. Has anyone come across this or know what to do? Cheers Van

12th October 2020, 10:40	#2
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,753 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	I suppose if the tyre has ever had some form of cosmetic treatment to improve the appearance ('tyre spray'), the brake fluid (DOT4 is a form of polyglycol) may have 'dissolved' the superficial layer to reveal a slightly different rubber surface beneath. The regular application of a tyre dressing should improve the appearance. Best Tyre Dressings: https://www.cleancartalk.co.uk/best-tyre-dressing/ TC Last edited by T-Cut; 12th October 2020 at 10:44..

12th October 2020, 19:42	#3
Vantheman Regular poster Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Dorset/Hampshire border Posts: 55 Thanks: 27 Thanked 10 Times in 6 Posts	Interesting thought - thanks. They were quite black/shiny as tyres go but I don't think he's been spraying them with anything as I tried a bit of spray on them and he asked if I had any more. Popped into the friendly garage who MoT'd the Rover today to ask them and the chap suggested sugar soap.

13th October 2020, 12:11	#4
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,753 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	I believe sugar soap is pretty caustic so as a chemist, that wouldn't be my first suggestion. But if a tyre dressing didn't work, a more drastic approach may be needed. The problem here is the possibility of making the problem worse than it is. Before applying any strong chemical, I'd suggest posing the question on the valeting forum. https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...splay.php?f=51 TC