Can tires with many fine cracks still be used?
4 Answers
Tires with many fine cracks cannot be used anymore and need to be replaced promptly. Car tires are made of rubber, metal, fabric, and various chemical additives. Rubber is prone to aging, and even if stored unused, the anti-aging components added to the rubber will gradually lose effectiveness over time, leading to the appearance of fine cracks on the rubber. Precautions for tire usage include: 1. Try to avoid turning the steering wheel while stationary; 2. Avoid driving over curbs, as this can easily cause tire bulges. Also, be cautious of potholes on the road, as quickly driving over them can lead to tire bulges and tread separation; 3. Avoid scraping the tire sidewalls, as they are relatively fragile. Scraping against curbs while parking can easily cause bulges or ruptures.
When I see fine cracks on tires, I have to remind everyone not to take them lightly. These small cracks usually appear on the sidewalls and tread grooves, which are typical signs of rubber aging. When I inspect them myself, I always use the coin test: if the crack depth exceeds 1.5mm, it's basically a death sentence. Especially during high-speed driving or hot weather, such tires can blow out at any moment. Once, a friend of mine drove on the highway with old cracked tires, and the tread suddenly peeled off, nearly causing an accident. I recommend checking the production date regularly (the last four digits of the DOT code on the sidewall). Be extra cautious with tires over 5 years old, and if you see dense cracks, just replace them—safety first.
I've encountered tire hairline cracks several times, and the key is to assess the crack depth and location. Shallow cracks on tire shoulders can usually last a while, but radial cracks on the sidewalls require immediate replacement. Last week when I helped my neighbor inspect his tires, we found small stones lodged in the cracks, indicating compromised structural integrity. They might barely hold up for low-speed city driving, but the risk factor skyrockets during long-distance trips or heavy loads. I recommend making it a habit to check tire conditions during car washes – be alert if you notice increasing cracks. By the way, never compromise safety by buying cheap retread tires online to save money.
I have personal experience with rubber aging cracks. Last year, I noticed my car tires were covered with fine cracks, and the mechanic said it was due to long-term UV exposure. If the cracks are only on the surface rubber layer, you might get by, but if you see the internal cords, the tire is absolutely unusable. When testing crack depth, if your fingernail just catches on it, you can still monitor the situation; but if your whole fingernail sinks in, it's truly a life-threatening risk. Insufficient tire pressure accelerates crack deterioration, so checking pressure monthly is a good habit. Tires over 6 years old should be replaced even without visible cracks.
