Can Tires with Cracks Still Be Used?
2 Answers
If the remaining groove depth of the tire tread reaches or falls below 1.6 millimeters (there are indicator marks inside the longitudinal straight grooves of the tire tread indicating this depth), the tire must be replaced. This is because the tire's drainage capacity has significantly decreased, making driving on wet surfaces more dangerous. Below is relevant information about tire usage: 1. The service life of car tires is four years or 80,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. If there are damages exceeding five locations, early replacement is required. If there is damage on the sidewall, even one instance necessitates replacement. If you frequently drive on poor road conditions leading to severe tire wear, early replacement is advised. 2. Aged tires pose various risks. At the least, they can increase fuel consumption during normal driving. More seriously, the traction and adhesion of the tire tread can significantly decrease, leading to longer braking distances and a higher likelihood of hydroplaning on wet surfaces. If not replaced promptly, the safety risks of driving can greatly increase.
Tire cracks are something you really need to be careful about. Cracks are usually caused by rubber aging, especially when exposed to ultraviolet light for a long time, making the material brittle. Those small cracks may not seem obvious, but at high speeds, the pressure increases significantly, which can easily lead to tire blowouts. Cracks on the sidewalls are particularly dangerous. I once witnessed a friend ignore cracks and have a tire blowout on the highway, causing an accident. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the repair costs were several times higher. My advice is to park and inspect: if the cracks are shallower than 1 mm, few in number, and only on the tread, you might be able to hold out for a while. But if the cracks are deep or numerous, replace the tire immediately. Parking in the shade as much as possible in daily life can slow down aging. Safety should always come first—don’t take it lightly.
