Have you started to notice small cracks along the sidewall of your tires and aren’t sure what they mean? Are you wondering if those cracks are unsafe? This short, 3-minute read answers all of those questions and more.
• What Do Cracks on My Tire Sidewall Mean?
• What Does Tire Dry Rot Look Like?
• What Causes Tire Dry Rot?
• When Are Cracks in Tire Sidewall Unsafe?
• How Do You Prevent Tire Dry Rot?
• What Next? | Wonderland Tire Cares About Your Safety
Cracks on your tire sidewall typically mean that your tire’s rubber is starting to deteriorate. The slow breakdown of rubber compounds, also known as dry rot, reduces your tire’s flexibility over time and leads to cracks.
Once sidewall cracking starts to appear, it’s safe to say that your tire's integrity is compromised and you will need a replacement soon. While small cracks may not seem like a big deal, they will only continue to grow as your tire undergoes more wear. If left untreated, the cracks can lead to tire splits, bursts, or sudden failure.
The most obvious way to spot dry rot is cracking along your tire’s sidewall. However, you may also notice discoloration and brittleness. Tires with dry rot can fade from black to gray and begin to flake.
Dry rot can be caused by several different factors including:
1. Old age
2. Lack of use
3. Low inflation
4. Excessive heat
5. Parking on dirt
6. Oils & harsh chemicals
7. Severe temperature swings
8. UV light exposure (ie. exposure to direct sunlight)
Cracks in your tire’s sidewall are almost always unsafe. While small, superficial cracks aren’t likely to pose immediate safety risks, dry rot always indicates rubber damage. As sidewall cracks continue to grow and deepen, you are more likely to experience a loss of air pressure, a reduction in your tire’s strength, and an increased risk of a blowout.
You will want to replace your tires at the first signs of dry rot. Once cracking starts to appear, it won’t take long for your tire to deteriorate. Choose to keep yourself and others safe on the road with a set of new tires.
NOTE: Finding sidewall cracks on a relatively new tire may mean there’s a manufacturing defect. In that case, address the issue quickly and replace your tire as soon as possible.
While dry rot is a natural occurrence that isn’t completely preventable, you can delay its onset by taking proper care of your tires. Oftentimes, drivers can delay dry rotting until it's time for a new set of tires by following these 7 tips for longer tire life.
• Use your tires - Using your tires keeps the rubber soft and flexible, whereas unused tires can become stiff and more susceptible to dry rot.
• Maintenance - Periodic tire maintenance like tire rotation and balancing are great for extending your tire’s life and making it less prone to dry rot.
• Avoid UV light exposure - UV light from the sun can cause your tire’s rubber to deteriorate, so keep the light exposure to a minimum whenever possible.
• Avoid harsh chemicals - Use only non-petroleum products or simple soap and water when cleaning your tires because cleaning your tires with harsh, petroleum-based chemicals can remove important agents designed to fight off weathering.
• Maintain proper tire inflation - Underinflation puts excessive stress on your tread and sidewall, leading to overheating, cracking, and separation.
• Avoid overloading your tires - Overloading places stress on your tires and causes premature wear that promotes dry rot.
• Store your tires properly - In the case that you store extra tires when they aren’t being used (like winter snow tires), make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight, ozone-generating equipment (like generators), and temperature extremes.
If your tires are showing signs of dry rot, we encourage you to replace your tires as soon as possible. At Wonderland Tire, your safety is our priority. We will help you figure out what tires are best for you and your vehicle. Just give us a call or talk to us in person at a Wonderland Tire location near you.
Wonderland Tire is committed to providing a level of service and care beyond what you would expect from your average tire center. From our friendly, customer-driven employees to our specialized services, we want to make sure you get the care you deserve so that you stay safe on the road.
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