Can a Car Tire with Cracks Still Be Used?
3 Answers
The following details whether a car tire with cracks in specific areas can still be used: 1. If the tread has minor surface cracks due to rolling over objects like stones while driving, this is a normal phenomenon, and the tire can continue to be used. 2. If the entire tire is covered with cracks due to aging, it indicates that the rubber has lost its elasticity, and the tire has reached the end of its lifespan, requiring replacement. Additional information: Situations where a tire must be replaced include: 1. If the tire shows signs of aging, with numerous small cracks on the tread groove base or sidewall that are close to damaging the tire body, the tire should be replaced immediately, regardless of how long it has been used or its wear level. 2. If the remaining groove depth of the tire tread reaches or falls below 1.6 millimeters (as indicated by wear markers in the longitudinal grooves of the tread), the tire must be replaced.
Whether a tire with cracks can continue to be used is a big issue. As a car enthusiast, from an experiential perspective, I absolutely do not recommend it. Once during a long-distance drive, my friend's tire had a small crack on the sidewall. He thought it was fine and didn't replace it, but it ended up blowing out on the highway, nearly causing a rollover—fortunately, no one was hurt. Cracks mostly occur due to tire aging, prolonged exposure to UV rays, or extreme temperature changes, which make the internal rubber brittle and prone to splitting. Tires typically last only 5-6 years. If the crack is deep enough to fit a fingernail or located on the sidewall, you must not delay replacement. Safety comes first—spending a few hundred dollars on new tires is nothing compared to the risk of an accident. I recommend visiting a professional auto repair shop for an inspection as soon as possible and regularly checking tire pressure and wear conditions.
As a parent with children, seeing tire cracks makes me particularly nervous. Driving to pick up and drop off kids at school every day, having tire issues is too dangerous - a potential blowout could threaten the whole family's safety. Cracks usually indicate tire aging or damage, and prolonged parking under direct sunlight easily causes cracking. If there are numerous deep cracks or sidewall fractures, it means structural damage has occurred and the tires must not be used. I regularly inspect tires for fine cracks or bulges. When discovering cracks, I take them to the auto shop for professional evaluation and replace them immediately if needed. Proper maintenance like keeping tire pressure neither too low nor too high can extend tire lifespan. Safety is the top priority investment - this is not where you should cut corners.
