The tires you need depend on the classic car you choose to restore. Antique cars require special antique tires to fit the vehicle. Often antique cars are maintained strictly for show purposes since driving them can cause serious wear and tear to old parts. Driving on antique car on public roads is difficult because it is simply not designed for today’s roadways.
If you have a hot rod or muscle car, your tires mean more than just good looks. Typically muscle cars are shown for both beauty and performance. Your tires must be designed to perform under extreme conditions. Tires must handle high speeds, kinetic energy transfer and plenty of flexing and torque. Muscle car wheels are both good-looking and completely functional. Modern muscle car wheels are made from rubber containing an ingredient called antiozonant to prevent oxidizing, deteriorating and cracking. The antiozonant constantly goes through the tire to keep it from wearing out. When the chemical is exposed to the air, it becomes a brown color.
To keep your tires looking black, various cleaning and conditioning agents can be used along with protectants to protect tires from corrosive elements. It is essential to use the right wheel cleaner on classic car tires. When in doubt, check with the tire manufacturer to be sure you use the right cleaner. If you use the wrong one, it can cause permanent stains and discoloration. Sometimes a soft wheel brush is used to remove built-up grit and grime.
Original rims are also essential to have on a completely classic car. Special cleaners are used to keep rims shiny and looking new. Rust prevention agents may be applied to the rims to keep them from corroding. Always use products recommended by the manufacturer so you don’t damage the original rims.
When you restore a classic car or truck, remember to keep the rims and tires authentic. Certain classic cars are recognized by their distinctive tires and rims. Without these special wheels, your classic car becomes just another vehicle on the road. Make sure your eye-catching tires and rims are properly mounted and filled for optimum safety when you hit the road.