The Dick Cepek Tires and Wheels Company recommend the following with the respect to tires and inner tubes that have been exposed to flood waters. Flood water contains contaminants such as oil, grease, salt and other contaminants which can be damaging to tires and tubes. This recommendation applies to all types of tires including passenger, light truck, truck, off-the-road and agricultural tires:

1. Tires that are currently mounted on vehicles that have been exposed to flood water should be cleaned and inspected for physical damage such as cuts, tear holes, or scrapes which might allow contaminants into the tire. Tires should be cleaned using a mild vegetable based soap and non- pressurized clean water. A pressure washer should never be used to clean tires. If the tire damage is present, the tires should be discarded. If no physical damage is found, the tires may be returned to service.
2. Due to the likelihood of damage to the inner structure of a tire by contaminants, un-mounted tires that have been immersed in flood water should be discarded. All other un-mounted tires should be inspected for debris damage by a qualified tire professional before being placed in service.
3. Inner tubes that have been exposed to flood waters should also be discarded.

This is Dick Cepek Technical Bulletin #6 (Updated 8/15/2017) For more information regarding Dick Cepek Products ph: 330.928.9092