How to Extend the Life of Rubber Parts on Classic Cars

What Causes Decay of Rubber Parts

If you own a collector car, then you are probably concerned about the oxidation of rubber parts. Classic cars generally contain a higher percentage of rubber parts than later model cars. So whether your car has original rubber parts, restoration rubber parts, blended-rubber parts, or a synthetic material called EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), you need to be aware of the elements that cause decay and what you can do about it. The most common causes of deterioration for rubber parts are heat, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and chemicals in the air including oxygen. Even if you own a museum-quality, cold storage facility for your classic car, you still need to fight the elements by using a protective treatment to extend the life of the rubber parts.

Minimum Requirements for Protective Treatments

When looking for effective treatments for preserving and protecting rubber parts on classic cars, read labels carefully. Any products that contain petroleum distillates should never be used on prized collector cars. Petroleum products can feel greasy to touch and can speed up the deterioration process of expensive-to-replace door, window, and trunk seals, CV boots, radiator hoses, power steering hoses, brake lines, emblem gaskets, fuel lines, vacuum hoses, wiper hoses, control arm bushings and bumpers, sway bar bushings, strut rod bushings, control link bushings, spring shackle bushings and bumpers. The best protective rubber treatments for collector cars should block UV rays to prevent fading, cracking, discoloration, and chalking. The right classic car treatment for rubber parts will also protect against the loss of mechanical properties, keep treated parts looking like new, restore faded colors, and bring the original luster back to life. The most effective treatment must also repel dirt, water, dust, and stains, all without leaving any oily residue on surfaces.

Which Protective Treatment Meets All the Requirements

The protective treatment which meets and exceeds all the criteria required for protecting natural and synthetic rubber parts on classic cars is 303 Automotive Protectant. It can also be used safely and effectively on dashboards, car interior leathers, black plastic fenders, vinyl decals, convertible tops made of vinyl, and for many more applications. The best protection against the harmful elements and for maintaining the cosmetic and mechanical integrity of rubber car parts is 303 Autotomotive Protectant. Not only is 303 Automotive Protectant the recommended treatment for extending the life of rubber parts on collector cars, it is the most recommended protective treatment by manufacturers around the world.