The Michelin Man's Advice

Precautions When Riding on a New Tire

Michelin^® tires use rubber mixtures that help protect the tire against damage. These protective additives bloom from the surface of the tire and can give the tread rubber a white appearance or coating. After having installed new tires, a break-in period of a few miles should be observed. Hard cornering or braking should be avoided during this period.

Maintenance of the Tire

To save your tires, they should be systematically checked after each ride. Remove any foreign objects lodged in the tread with the point of a small screwdriver. These objects could cause punctures after riding. It is helpful to wash tires with water, but scouring products can damage fabrics. For road racing, it is ideal to have a pair of wheels with rain tires and a pair with dry condition tires appropriate to the season.

Note: rain water attracts small bits of debris from the road which adhere to the tire tread. Not only does water attract debris, but it also lubricates sharper objects allowing them to cut or puncture tires more readily.

Storage of Tires

When the tires are not in use, storage in a cool area safe from sunlight is essential. It is also important to avoid leaving your bicycle in the sun when not being ridden. Additionally, it is wise to store your bike away from chemicals or ozone generating electric motors.