Tire Weighting for Off-Road Tires - OxyChem Calcium Chloride
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Tire Weighting

Calcium chloride solutions are used in tractor and other off-road tires to provide ballast, improve traction, and reduce wear and tear on tires and machinery. These solutions can add about 30% to the weight of water and lower the freeze point.

tractor tires - tire weighting - OxyChem calcium chloride
tractor in field - tire weighting - OxyChem calcium chloride

Where To Use

Calcium chloride solutions are used in tractor and other off-road tires, as calcium chloride can add about 30% to the weight of water and lower the solution’s freeze point to well below 32°F (0°C). Calcium chloride solutions provide ballast, improve traction, and reduce wear and tear on tires and machinery. They can also create a smoother ride by lowering the center of gravity for less slippage on turns and reduce the impacts of bumps and cuts by slowing the diffusion of air within the tire. 

When choosing a solid calcium chloride product for tire weighting, use our calculator tool to determine the amount to mix with water to achieve solutions of various concentrations.

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Tire Weighting FAQs

First, determine the amount of dry calcium chloride to mix with water using our helpful Making Solutions Calculator tool.

Always start with cool water and add the solid calcium chloride slowly to the water while continuously mixing. Significant heat is released when dissolving solid calcium chloride, and a temperature increase will occur. For example, when dissolving DOWFLAKE®  Xtra 83-87% Calcium Chloride Flakes while making up a 30% solution, the temperature can be expected to increase almost 84°F.

If solids are allowed to sit motionless while in contact with water, a hard cake will form that will be slow to dissolve.

Please consult our Diluting Solutions Calculator, which covers three different options:

  1. Diluting with water
  2. Diluting with a lower concentration calcium chloride solution
  3. Diluting with both water and a lower concentration calcium chloride solution

The pH reading for an undiluted sample of 35% solution is approximately 9. OxyChem calcium chloride products are alkaline due to the presence of a slight calcium hydroxide impurity.

Accurate and consistent pH measurement in concentrated salt solutions can be challenging. Results vary depending on the pH probe used and the degree of sample dilution.

No, OxyChem does not have a calcium chloride dihydrate product. DOWFLAKE® Xtra is the closest to a dihydrate concentration.

Calcium chloride dihydrate has two water molecules for every one calcium chloride molecule, giving an overall calcium chloride concentration of 75.5%. OxyChem’s DOWFLAKE® Xtra product contains a minimum of 83% calcium chloride, making it more concentrated than the calcium chloride dihydrate flake on the market. 

Store product in a dry area, and tightly reseal after each use. To maintain product quality while in storage, solid calcium chloride must be protected from moisture. If the product is on a pallet covered by an intact plastic shroud, it can be stored outdoors on a well-drained surface. If the shroud is torn, pierced, or removed, the palletized product should be stored indoors or under a waterproof covering.

For additional information, see our Calcium Chloride Handbook.

When properly stored to protect from moisture contact, the expected shelf life for solid calcium chloride products is 36 months from the date of manufacture. Calcium chloride does not degrade or deteriorate; however, the shelf life is limited based on the potential for moisture intrusion into the product, which may cause product clumping. Solid calcium chloride absorbs moisture from the air (i.e., is hygroscopic), even to the point of converting to liquid brine (i.e., is deliquescent).

Technical grades of solid and liquid calcium chloride may be used to freeze-proof water-filled containers, such as traffic barriers. The target concentration depends primarily on the level of freeze protection desired. See below for the freeze points of typical concentrations. Use our helpful Making Solutions Calculator tool to determine the amount of dry calcium chloride to mix with water to achieve solutions of various concentrations.

Freeze Points of Typical Calcium Chloride Concentrations

Percentage by Weight

Specific Gravity

lbs/gal

Freeze Point

16 wt%

1.149

9.55

+8°F

20 wt%

1.189

9.88

-4°F

24 wt%

1.228

10.20

-20°F

28 wt%

1.275

10.60

-46°F

32 wt%

1.322

10.99

17°F

Freeze Points of Typical Calcium Chloride Concentrations
16 wt%

Specific Gravity

1.149

lbs/gal

9.55

Freeze Point

+8°F

20 wt%

Specific Gravity

1.189

lbs/gal

9.88

Freeze Point

-4°F

24 wt%

Specific Gravity

1.228

lbs/gal

10.20

Freeze Point

-20°F

28 wt%

Specific Gravity

1.275

lbs/gal

10.60

Freeze Point

-46°F

32 wt%

Specific Gravity

1.322

lbs/gal

10.99

Freeze Point

17°F

OxyChem Calcium Chloride - FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

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