place them near a radiator or direct heat source, as this causes rapid shrinking and cracking. Hunter Boots UK 2. Conditioning & Protection
| Application | Primary Risk | Prevention Strategy | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | UV Light, Ozone, Road Grime | Apply tire dressing/protectant; store vehicles out of sun; move vehicle periodically if stored long-term. | | Seals & O-Rings | Compression set, Drying | Lubricate with silicone grease before installation; replace immediately if cracking is visible. | | Industrial Hoses | Pressure cycles, Sun exposure | Store coiled in a dark room; inspect for surface cracking before pressurizing. | | Wiper Blades | UV, Friction | Clean rubber with alcohol wipes to remove road film; park in shade or use windshield covers. | how to keep rubber from dry rotting work
Not all rubber is the same. Here is how to handle the most common problem items: place them near a radiator or direct heat
This is the most important step. Rubber needs a barrier between itself and the elements. | | Seals & O-Rings | Compression set,
Follow manufacturer guidance when available (material-specific advice for natural rubber, nitrile, EPDM, silicone, neoprene, etc.). If you want, I can produce a one‑page care checklist formatted for printing—tell me which rubber items you need to protect.