Recently met a "rubber parts expert" who tough me to use a "Vaseline spray". Similar to turps/kero, but these nemed 'vaseline' are of a specific mid-sized carbon chain size that fits well rubber structure, keeping them lubricated and flexible but without too much of a solvent effect.
Spray on the rubber parts you want to treat, rub a bit with a soft tissue you may waste (it will get plenty of dirt and black stuff from rubber parts), apply the spray again and softly spread it into a very thin layer using a clean soft tissue or absorbing kitchen paper. Tissue will get soaked, and can be used until you finish the whole job on rubber parts. Your vehicle's rubber will look like new, and ready for another few years of harsh weather!
I supply a lot of car yards and panel beaters with a Septone product called "Magic Shine", it is a silicone based product that you can use on rubber or plastic, inside or out, and can be applied by brush or cloth and gives any dull plastic or rubber a brand new look. However I would suggest any silicone based product would do the same
-- Edited by Big Tone on Monday 2nd of April 2018 08:42:14 AM
Something to remember about all the above treatments is that they are only "Band-Aid" solutions.....the rubber or vinyl has suffered permanent surface degradation due to prolonged exposure to UV rays - under a magnifying glass it will appear like sandpaper. From the factory it will have had an ultra smooth surface often with an UV resistant coating.
If you look at car care sites they sell stuff for the black rubber & plastic trim on cars. Both to clean and to preserve (and also make them look black again). Quite good stuff. I use one called Black Wow. Pretty expensive, but works great.
