The sun’s rays bake the oils out of the rubber.
For high-stress items like boot soles or door seals, a specialized conditioner can help. how to keep rubber from dry rotting work
: Keep rubber items in airtight bags or vacuum-sealed containers to limit exposure to oxygen and ozone, both of which accelerate degradation. Consistent Temperature : Maintain a stable temperature between 5°C and 25°C The sun’s rays bake the oils out of the rubber
A rubber part that is regularly flexed, stretched, compressed, or heated (like an engine mount) generates internal friction, which creates free radicals—the starting point of cracking. In short: A working rubber part is a dying rubber part unless you intervene. If it smells like old tennis shoes or
: If rubber smells like fresh tires, it’s healthy. If it smells like old tennis shoes or has visible fine cracks, replacement is needed.