Can tires with small cracks on the surface still be used?
2 Answers
Car tires with small cracks can still be used. If there are only minor cracks, they generally don't pose significant issues for regular road surfaces, but they should not be used for high-speed driving. Typically, if obvious cracking appears, it indicates severe aging of the tire, making it difficult to withstand high-pressure conditions. Functions of tires: 1. Tires serve as the medium for transmitting forces between the vehicle and the road, transferring driving force, braking force, steering force, etc., thereby enabling operations like acceleration, braking, and steering. 2. Supporting vehicle load. The vehicle's weight causes the tire to compress until the average pressure on the contact area balances with the internal inflation pressure. 3. Absorbing and mitigating vibrations and impacts during driving, preventing early damage to vehicle components due to excessive shocks. Additionally, tires adapt to high-speed driving conditions, reduce noise, and ensure safety, comfort, handling stability, and fuel efficiency.
I usually research vehicle safety, and small cracks on tires should never be taken lightly. These cracks are often a sign of rubber aging. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, rain, or high temperatures can cause tires to harden and crack. Deep cracks may lead to air leakage or even blowouts, which is extremely dangerous. When inspecting, use your fingernail or a caliper to measure the depth—if it exceeds 1.6mm, replace the tire immediately. Never try to save money by pushing it, especially when driving on highways or carrying heavy loads, as the risks are much higher. I check my tire condition every six months and maintain the pressure around the recommended value to prevent crack expansion. Safety comes first—spending money on new tires is worth it to protect your life.
