Paraffin on tyres/driveway

Pickledswede · Traffic Copper Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Karma :

Ok so I've been riding my bike a couple of weeks now and just got round to getting some paraffin to clean the chain as the previous owner left it looking like it had been marinated in fermented shit. Basically paraffin has dripped all over my tyre and is running all down my driveway. Are either of these a problem and if so what can I do about it? Also if I have spare paraffin left when I'm done cleaning everything how should I dispose of it?

Preferably before my mum gets home Wink

Thanks guys!

leeclissett · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 04 Aug 2009 Karma :

Oh dear, my basic understanding is that paraffin both causes the tyre to break up and also to swell.

Nothing worse than ruining mums drive though. When I first started driving we were running late for a gig and I managed to spill oil on my mums loose stone driveway. Backed up the car and shovelled away the oily gravel. As I went to pull off the drive I managed to run over the whole container of oil (which I forgot to move!) and ruined atleast 50% of the drive.

Must have spent nearly 2 hours shovelling gravel and though i missed sound check I made it in time for the gig Twisted Evil

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

If there is a big spill, soak it up in cat litter and sweep up the cat litter.

For the remainder and your tyre, hot soapy water.

If you leave the left over paraffin in a container, all the crap will sink to the bottom, you can pour the clean stuff off the top and use it again. I usually put the small amount of paraffin soaked crap you're left with in the bin.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
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Walloper · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Karma :

As Stinkers says, do not waste time with sand or shit. It absorbs hee haw.
Neat Washing powder stiff bristle brush and loads of water to emulsfy and dilute the paraffin.
Paraffin will soften the top layer of tarmac so you may be left with some kind of stain/mark.
Pressure washers are good for this jobbie too.

Old paraffin?

BBQ starter. By the time the coals are ready the fumes have been burnt off so no damage done to snarlers, steaks or burgers. Smile

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johnsmith222 · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Dec 2008 Karma :

Pickledswede · Traffic Copper Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Karma :

So I should get it off my tyres ASAP?

My mum isn't too bothered about the drive but it does look as if it's been sort of stained. Considering I'm going to be cleaning my chain pretty often is it best to just leave it there? It isn't a big spill it's just a general dampness, next time should I just try to wash it away as much as possible?

Thanks for the help Smile

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

Drinking full fat milk first helps as well cos that leaves a 'coating' inside your mouth. After fire breathing, rinsing your mouth several times with water/beer helps get the stuff out, swallowing saliva or drinking anything is a bad idea until the taste has gone away anyway.

The way I see it, as a trick done occasionally it's unlikely to do much damage. Where-as the people that work with display teams who're frequently doing lots of fire breathing will more than likely end up with health problems.

squishio · Spanner Monkey Joined: 07 Jul 2007 Karma :

my mate who washes his bike every other week and uses paraffin liberally on the underneath and commonly greasy bits of the bike (including the wheels)
No noticeable effects to the tires.

however last weekend we found his bike (tdm900) leaning severly (almost on it's side) then realised the side stand had gone through his tarmac driveway and sunk a few inches.

It isn't a great quality driveway but the tarmac is pretty solid and thick but it would seem where he washes his bike in the same spot the drive has gotten really soft clearly demonstrating what paraffin can do.

Cheers!
Rich
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Current - Hornet 600, Transalp 650, X140 Pit, GPZ400R
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Pickledswede · Traffic Copper Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Karma :

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

squishio · Spanner Monkey Joined: 07 Jul 2007 Karma :

squishio · Spanner Monkey Joined: 07 Jul 2007 Karma :

Walloper · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Karma :

Tarmacudus Wurimus: Annoying parasite which feeds on Tarmacadam.
Main cause of potholes and twitch-iness inducing over-banding irregularities.
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W-ireless A-rtificial L-ifeform L-imited to O-bservation P-eacekeeping and E-fficient R-epair