Can I Continue Driving with Small Cracks on the Side of the Tire?
2 Answers
Tires with side cracks can be used for a short time. However, they should not be used on highways. For safety reasons, it is recommended to replace the tire. Relevant information about tire cracks is as follows: Impact of driving on highways with cracked tires: Cracks on the tire indicate that the tire has severely aged and cannot withstand prolonged high-speed driving, increasing the risk of accidents on highways. Tire mileage and age: Generally, the service life of a tire is 5-6 years, with a mileage of 70,000-80,000 kilometers. However, it should be noted that the lifespan is determined by whichever comes first, mileage or age. Even if the car is not driven frequently, the rubber can harden and become brittle, increasing the risk of a tire blowout.
Are there small cracks on the side of the tire? I strongly advise against taking it lightly. As someone who drives frequently, I've seen many similar cases. These small cracks may seem harmless, but they could actually indicate tire aging. Rubber tends to become brittle after prolonged exposure to sunlight or years of use, and cracks serve as warning signs. If left unaddressed, the cracks may deepen when driving at high speeds due to increased tire temperature, potentially leading to a blowout, which would be extremely dangerous. Even for short city drives, don't take chances. It's best to have the depth checked at a professional shop immediately. If there are numerous cracks or they're deeper than the tread grooves, you must replace the tire. Safety should always come first—don't risk it to save a few hundred bucks.
