Over time, tires are exposed to precipitation, brake dust, chemicals, sunlight, and temperature fluctuation from summer to winter. While tires have anti-aging chemicals within the rubber to help protect them, exposure to these elements can cause rubber to lose some of its elasticity, which then causes the surface to age and crack. Under normal circumstances, tires should last around five to seven years, but as they age, they begin to rot, and it’s only a matter of time before the cracks can be dangerous. Here is more information about the aging and cracking in tires, what you can do to prevent this wear, and how to get help.
WHAT ARE THE CRACKS IN TIRES?
Also called weather checking, weather cracking, and ozone cracking, cracks in tires are typically small and develop in the sidewalls or at the base of the tread grooves. These are signs the rubber in the tires is starting to break down. While cracks typically start developing on the sidewall, they then move to the outer part of the tire underneath the tread. As the rubber flexibility declines, larger cracks develop, and once this happens, it’s only a matter of time before the tires become dangerous. Cracks aren’t always a bad thing and don’t necessarily mean the tire needs replaced. But as they grow in length, depth, or number, replacing your tires may be necessary.
ARE CRACKS IN TIRES NECESSARILY BAD?
As the cracks grow, they can wear down quickly. This can turn small cracks into major cracks or other problems that can put you at risk of blowing a tire. If the cracking between treads is visible, the tire’s structural integrity is likely compromised. At this point it’s important to have a professional inspect the tire. If cracks are in a tire that’s only a few years old, this could also be a manufacturing defect that needs addressed and replaced immediately.
HOW TO PREVENT AGING AND CRACKED TIRES
The best way to prevent your tires from aging and cracking is by keeping them out of the elements as much as possible:
- If you can, park your car in a garage away from direct sunlight.
- Clean snow and mud off the tires after driving.
- Keep the tires inflated to reduce the strain placed on the tire.
- Don’t allow your tires to sit in standing water.
- Don’t let your vehicle sit in one place for too long. Even if you don’t regularly use your car, take it for a drive every few days to move the tires around.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR TIRES ARE AGING OR CRACKED
If you notice signs of aging or cracking on your tires, take it to your local tire shop for inspection. Sometimes, cracked tires can be repaired, but this may only mask the issue instead of fixing it. When cracking is serious, the tires likely need replaced for your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road.
Courtesy of hollenshades
