Can tires with many fine cracks still be used?
2 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.
