Are Cracks on Tires Normal?
2 Answers
Cracks on tires can be normal or abnormal depending on the situation: 1. Small cracks appearing on the tread surface are normal signs of aging or wear; 2. Cracks on the sidewall are abnormal; 3. Cracks that are too long or deep, reaching the standard tread depth of 1.6mm, are abnormal. Tires are one of the most important components of a car, directly in contact with the road surface. Together with the car's suspension, they help cushion the impact during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smoothness, maintaining excellent adhesion between the wheels and the road, and improving the car's traction, braking, and off-road capability.
Having driven for ten years, it's quite common to see some cracks on the tires. At first, I thought it was just normal aging and didn't pay much attention. Later, during a long-distance trip, I noticed the cracks deepening. When I took it to the shop for inspection, the mechanic said the rubber had been exposed to sunlight for too long, and the high temperature and UV rays had accelerated the aging. Those fine cracks, if they grow larger, can easily lead to a blowout. Now, I regularly check the sidewalls of the tires, gently scraping them with my fingernail to test the depth. Shallow cracks might still be safe, but if they're deep enough to expose the steel belts inside, they must be replaced immediately. The age of the tire is also crucial—I learned to read the date code, like '1023' meaning the 10th week of 2023. If the tires are over five years old, you need to be cautious. For safety, I maintain proper tire pressure and park in the shade to prevent issues.
