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How to Clean Motorcycle Tires

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How to Clean Motorcycle Tires

 

Regular tire maintenance is important to their longevity. Part of a thorough maintenance routine includes cleaning your tires. While this is important for all tires, motorcycle tires are, by design, more exposed and more likely to get dirty. This means they need to be cared for even more regularly. We’ve shared car cleaning tips with you before, and we know a thing or two about scrubbing a tire too.

 

 

Stabilize Your Motorcycle

 

You should clean your tires on a day that’s clear of rain or strong wind to prevent damage and keep yourself safe. Before you start, be sure to put down your kickstand to prevent your bike from falling over. Also, make sure the space you are working on is level to prevent the bike from tipping.

 

 

Spray Down Your Motorcycle with Water

 

When washing your tires, you’ll want a water source with high pressure, but nothing too forceful. You don’t want to strip paint off of your bike or damage it in any way, so you should avoid using a pressure washer.  A garden hose with a jet setting will do just fine. 

 

Use the hose to remove chunks of mud and dirt from the tires. Be sure to spray into the treads of the tire to dislodge any large pieces of dirt or rocks that could be stuck in there. You may need to turn your tires to ensure all debris is removed from the treads.

 

 

Wash with Soap and Cleaner

 

Fill a bucket with warm soapy water. While there are soaps made specifically for washing tires, dish soap will work just fine. Use a soft bristle brush that has long enough bristles to get into the crevices of the tire and the rim. Scrub the tire starting from the axel and moving outward. 


Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the tires off with the hose. It’s a good idea to dry off your tires when you’re done cleaning them, especially if the bike will be going into a garage. This will help prevent dry rot.

 
 
 

Pick a Safe Tire Cleaner

 

If you decide to purchase a tire cleaner, you should choose one that won’t cost your tires any of their grip. Some cleaners, like tire shine, can be oily and soak into the tire, causing them to become slippery. This is dangerous, and safety is of the utmost importance for motorcyclists, who are more exposed than all other drivers. Here are some additional tips on choosing a safe cleaner.

 
 
 

Evaluate Your Tires for Damage

 

Once you’ve cleaned your tires, they’re in prime shape for a little inspection. When checking your tires, you should consider the following:

 

  • Does the tread look healthy?
  • Are there any signs of rot?

  • Are there any punctures?

  • Is the tire pressure in a good range?

 

We hope these tips will help keep your bike in tip top shape so you can stay safe on the road. 

 

We don’t just know how to keep your tires safe, we also know how to keep your driveway safe from your tires. Stop by and see us if you’re shopping for new tires or need more advice from our experts!

 
 
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Highland Tire proudly serves the local Natrona Heights, Tarentum, PA area. We understand that buying new tires can be overwhelming. Let us help you choose from our large selection of tires. We feature tires that fit your needs and budget from top quality brands, such as Michelin®, BFGoodrich®, Uniroyal®, and more. We pride ourselves on being your number one choice for any tire service, from flat tire repair to tire rotation. Let us earn your business.