Can You Still Drive with Cracked Tires?
2 Answers
Tires with cracks should not be driven on. Rubber products have a limited lifespan and will age and crack over time. Continuing to use cracked tires increases the risk of a blowout. Lifespan of Car Tires: Generally, tires have a service life of 3-5 years. Regular maintenance is essential, including checking for bulges, cracks, cuts, punctures, or abnormal wear. Using cracked tires increases safety risks while driving. Car Tire Maintenance Methods: Regularly remove stones stuck in tire treads, minimize exposure to direct sunlight, monitor tire pressure, maintain suspension systems, check wheel alignment periodically, and adopt careful driving habits. Avoid roads with sharp objects that could puncture or damage tires, and steer clear of chemical spills that may corrode them. Tire Replacement Guidelines: 1. Same Specifications: Different tire sizes have varying inflated diameters and section widths, leading to uneven load distribution if mixed on the same axle. 2. Same Structure: Radial and bias-ply tires differ in construction, affecting cushioning and axial deformation. Mixing them causes uneven load-bearing and wear. 3. Same Tread Pattern: Different tread patterns result in uneven wear and varying road grip. Mismatched left/right tire treads compromise vehicle stability, potentially causing skidding or fishtailing during emergency braking.
When I first started driving, I thought small cracks were no big deal, but now I know that a cracked tire is a serious issue. One of my neighbors drove an old car to work and ignored a small crack in the tire. As a result, the tire blew out on the highway, causing the car to skid and crash into the guardrail. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Since then, I’ve learned my lesson: never drive with a crack on the tire sidewall—that area is thin and can burst under high-speed pressure. If there’s a shallow crack on the tread, you might drive slowly to a nearby repair shop within 10 kilometers, but avoid speeding. If the crack is deeper than a needle tip, stop driving immediately. Hot weather or rain makes it even more dangerous, increasing the risk of losing control. It’s best to stop right away, check the tire pressure, or call a professional for an inspection. Although replacing a tire costs money, safety comes first. Develop the habit of checking your tires before every drive to prevent problems before they happen.
