Can tires with fine cracks on the surface still be used?
2 Answers
Tires with fine cracks on the surface can still be used. Although fine cracks on the tire surface indicate that the tire is in the aging stage, it has little impact on daily driving and can still be used. Here are the relevant details: Specific reasons: Generally, there are two reasons for fine cracks on the tire surface: normal aging of the tire and driving with insufficient tire pressure for an extended period. Early replacement: Tires are rubber products. When exposed to wind and rain for a long time, rubber gradually loses its original elasticity and toughness, leading to the appearance of fine cracks. Although tires can still be used normally in this condition, if the cracks become more severe, the tires should be replaced as soon as possible.
After driving for so many years, I've seen quite a few cases of fine cracks appearing on tires. Generally speaking, these cracks are often a sign of tire aging, such as when rubber becomes brittle and cracks after long-term exposure to sunlight, rain, or low temperatures. From a safety perspective, whether they can still be used depends on the depth and location of the cracks—if they are small, shallow cracks on the sidewalls, they might be okay temporarily, but I recommend a thorough inspection. Cracks deeper than 1 millimeter are a no-go, especially during high-speed driving, as they can easily lead to blowout risks. Additionally, if the tires are over 6 years old or show obvious deformation, it's best not to push your luck. Parking in the shade and regularly cleaning the tires can help delay aging. I once tried to save money by not replacing cracked tires, only to end up with increased noise when going over bumps, forcing me to visit a repair shop for new tires. A word of advice—don't take it lightly.
