farfromovin

I’ve come to the conclusion the shiny spots on the DWS 06+ can’t be removed, at least not immediately. I’ve used multiple tire cleaners, purple power, stoner bug and tar, a gel bug and tar, nothing. I’m going to switch angles of attack and hopefully just find a tire dressing that can “smear” on there and look presentable. I do like this tire, not many 295/45r20 options and Michelin was on a national backorder so this was my next pick. Like the OP, I’m very happy with the tire performance but F these sidewalls.

I understand. It drove me nuts about 8 years ago or so on some DWS 06’s. I just got DWS 06+ and was immediately reminded. I thought my first Conti sidewall “wax” was a fluke, nope! This set is brand new from Continental and looks just like yours. For kicks, I asked Continental what the recommend, here’s the riveting response of wash it and wait: Thank you for contacting Customer Relations at Continental Tire the Americas. Rubber, being an organic chemical, degrades over time. In order to slow this process, the rubber in tires contains waxes and anti-oxidants (AO’s). The waxes form a protective barrier and the AO’s attract the oxygen that would normally attack the rubber. After a tire is manufactured, it can be placed in a warehouse for storage until sale. It is possible that a tire may be in storage for several years. During that time, the AO’s and waxes are serving to keep the tire fresh. When the tire is placed in service, the used AO’s migrate to the tire’s surface and adhere to the wax coating. This is the rusty brown color that is sometimes visible. The presence of this color means the AO’s have done and are continuing to do their job. The AO’s adhere to the wax and the wax (and the used AO’s) gradually flake off as the tire flexes, however, it may take several months for the color to dissipate. This can be encouraged by washing with a bristle brush and soapy water. Because the waxes are not water soluble, doing so may not completely remove the discoloration. Unfortunately, other than soap and water, we do not have a recommended product you should use. If you elect to use a product, avoid solvents and tire dressings, as they may remove the wax coating and harm the rubber in the tire.