The Importance of Rubber Maintenance
Rubber is a completely natural substance, and this pliable material finds its way into thousands of different products. It’s so common and sought after that manufacturers now make synthetic rubber as an alternative material, simply because nature can’t produce enough rubber for our needs.
All rubber, whether it’s natural or synthetic, can deteriorate over time with prolonged exposure to sunlight, extreme hot or cold, chemicals, oils and solvents. When you look after your rubber items and keep them away from anything that might dry it out, you’ll increase the longevity of your rubber.
What’s the Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Rubber?
Natural rubber comes from nature. It is made from latex, which is a milky colloid that comes from particular trees. It is collected and mixed with an acid so it solidified into a mass we refer to as rubber. The durability and grip of rubber makes it the perfect compound for tyres and other vehicle parts.
Synthetic rubber is created through a man-made process. Petroleum-based substances called monomers are polymerised to make the rubber. There are nearly 20 different types of synthetic rubber, each produced with a different process that creates slightly different rubber qualities.
Performance and Quality
With quality natural rubber parts (whether they are natural or synthetic), you get all of the benefits of rubber. It’s long lasting, offers low noise levels, superior vibration control and offers a softer ride for passengers in a vehicle. That’s why it’s in your car in the first place! Lower vibration levels mean your suspension bushes will last longer. Good quality rubber offers a higher quality performance, provides the best ride experience and reduce shock and vibration through the rest of the chassis.
Whenever you replace original parts, quality is the most important consideration. Take a look at replacements to ensure that every piece is the same and there are no crooked edges. You’ll also want to check the finish. Each part should be smooth and ready for installation. When parts are good quality, they offer flexibility and movement for the entire suspension system, while also maintaining the alignment for each individual part installation.
Looking after your vehicles
When it’s time to replace your suspension bushes, using a good quality rubber is a solid choice. Your suspension systems is what gives you that smooth ride and ensures your car runs without bumps and jars. Upgrading your suspension bushes allows you to ride in comfort for at least the 20,000km of the warranty period, and often a lot longer.
To find the right parts for your car, visit us online here or find a dealer who can help on our site.
