Can a cracked tire still be used?

[JaxsonLynn]

Tire cracks indicate that the rubber has aged. Aging does not necessarily mean the tire is unusable, but its overall performance has declined, including reduced grip and reliability under extreme conditions. Additional information: 1. Signs of tire aging: For example: If there are 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 the extent of wear. 2. Reduced groove depth: If the remaining groove depth of the tire tread reaches or falls below 1.6 millimeters (indicated by wear indicators in the longitudinal grooves), the tire must be replaced because its water drainage capability has significantly decreased, making wet-road driving hazardous. 3. Damaged tires should also be evaluated for replacement: For example, a tire that has been driven underinflated may still function when reinflated, but its internal structure may have been compromised, so it is advisable to replace it promptly. It is especially important to note that bulging tires must not be used further.

[SebastianRose]

As a long-distance driver, I can tell you that tire cracks are no small matter. Last month, I noticed a hairline crack on the sidewall of my tire. When the mechanic inspected it with a flaw detector, they found the inner cord layers were damaged. They showed me a cross-section diagram – as tire rubber ages, its elasticity deteriorates, causing cracks to spread faster. Now I've developed a habit of using a flashlight to inspect my tires during every car wash, focusing on the sidewalls and tread grooves. If the crack exceeds 6cm or you see exposed steel belts, replace the tire immediately. By the way, remember tires typically have a 5-year lifespan – even without visible cracks, consider replacement after this period.

[Guy]

Last time, my neighbor's tire suffered a major mishap. There was a fine crack on the tread of his tire, and he thought it was still drivable. As a result, it blew out directly when taking a turn in the rain. When I accompanied him to the repair shop, the technician held up the tire and gave us a lesson: tire cracks are divided into three types—surface cracks, cut cracks, and structural cracks. If you can feel the depth of the crack by touching it, or if the air leaks noticeably faster, you must replace the tire immediately. Usually, try not to scrape the curb when parking, as high summer temperatures make the rubber more fragile. I’ve developed a habit now: when checking tire pressure every month, I also inspect for cracks. Safety first, after all.

[Salvador]

As someone with ten years of experience in car repair, I've seen too many accidents caused by tire cracks. Just the day before yesterday, I handled a case where the owner had a sudden blowout on the highway. After towing it back, we found aging cracks on the tire sidewall. Tire cracks mainly occur due to rubber aging, scratches, or long-term driving with low tire pressure. A simple way to judge is by looking at the location of the crack; cracks on the tire shoulder are the most dangerous. I recommend that owners who discover cracks first observe whether the cords are exposed, then use soapy water to test for air leaks. If the crack is on the tread and less than 1 mm deep, it might still be safe for low-speed city driving, but avoid highways. Remember, buying a new tire is much cheaper than repairing a car.