Can a car tire with cracks on the side still be used?
4 Answers
Minor cracks on the side of a car tire can still be used normally. However, if there are many deep cracks, the tire should be replaced. Generally, the normal lifespan of a tire is three years. For those who frequently drive, it is recommended to replace the tires every two years. Harder and more wear-resistant tires are more prone to cracking. Additional Information: Common types of abnormal tire wear include the following: 1. Early wear in the central part of the tire: The main cause is overinflation. Properly increasing the tire pressure can reduce rolling resistance and save fuel. However, excessive inflation not only affects the tire's shock absorption performance but also causes excessive deformation, reducing the contact area with the ground. As a result, normal wear is concentrated in the central part of the tread, leading to early wear. Choosing wide tires for narrow rims can also cause early wear in the central part. 2. Excessive wear on both sides of the tire: The main causes are underinflation or long-term overloading. When the tire pressure is low or the load is heavy, the contact area between the tire and the ground increases, causing both sides of the tire to engage with the ground and resulting in early wear. 3. Excessive wear on one side of the tire: The main cause is misaligned front-wheel positioning. When the camber angle of the front wheels is too large, the outer edge of the tire experiences early wear. Conversely, if the camber angle is too small or absent, the inner edge of the tire wears prematurely. 4. Sawtooth wear on the tire tread: The main causes are improper front-wheel alignment or issues with the front suspension system, such as loose ball joints. These problems cause the normally rolling wheels to slip or experience constantly changing alignment during driving, leading to sawtooth wear. 5. Excessive wear on individual tires: Issues with the suspension system of a particular wheel, bent support components, or imbalance in individual wheels can cause early wear on specific tires. In such cases, the alignment of the severely worn wheel, the condition of the independent suspension springs and shock absorbers should be checked, and the wheel rotation cycle should be shortened.
I've been driving this car for ten years and have seen plenty of cracks on the sidewalls of tires. If they're just shallow hairline cracks, you might be able to keep using them for a while, especially if you're only driving at low speeds in the city. However, if the cracks are deep or you can clearly see the internal tread pattern exposed, then it's absolutely dangerous. Last time I was driving on the highway at night, my tire suddenly split open, and I almost lost control—fortunately, I reacted quickly and pulled over. Since then, I've developed a habit of regular inspections: using calipers to measure the depth of the cracks. If they exceed 2mm or appear in multiple places, it's time to replace them immediately. Tire aging is the main cause, and sunlight exposure accelerates this process, so try to park in the shade whenever possible. Maintaining proper tire pressure—avoiding overinflation or underinflation—is also crucial to extending their lifespan. Overall, safety comes first. It's better to spend a few hundred bucks on new tires than to take risks on the road, especially when you have family in the car.
As a mechanical enthusiast, I enjoy tinkering with car parts, and tire issues are something I frequently encounter. Sidewall cracks are actually quite common, possibly caused by rubber aging or unstable tire pressure. If the cracks are fine and evenly distributed without visible deep marks on the surface, the tire might still be usable for a few more months. However, if you can dig your nail into deeper cracks or if there are branching cracks, it indicates a significant reduction in the sidewall strength, drastically increasing the risk during high-speed driving. I personally use tools to measure the depth of the cracks regularly; once they exceed 1.5 mm or extend into the sideband area, I replace the tire immediately for safety. Although tire replacement can be costly, choosing well-reputed brands during promotions can save some money. Safety comes first—don't risk a major accident to save a little money, especially before long trips when checking crack progression is essential. Tires typically last about 5 years, and monitoring crack development can effectively prevent sudden blowouts.
Having driven for over 50 years at my age, I've seen plenty of sidewall cracks on tires. Let me be direct: if the cracks are too deep or too numerous, the tire absolutely must not be used. I neglected this once when I was younger, and the resulting blowout cost me much more in repairs. Cracks are a sign of aging, and they pose the greatest risk on highways. Nowadays, I do simple checks—if the cracks are deep or you can see the inner tread pattern, it's time to replace the tire immediately. The typical lifespan of a tire is five to six years, and once cracks appear, it's time to retire it. Safety should always come first; don't ignore hazards to save money. Just make it a habit to visually inspect your tires when you wash your car.
