Do Car Tires with Cracks Need to Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Tire cracking, if it occurs on the tread area, can be assessed based on the severity of the cracks to determine whether replacement is necessary. However, if cracks appear on the sidewall, especially at the junction between the sidewall and the bead filler, immediate replacement is essential. Below are methods to determine if a tire needs replacement: 1. Outer edge wear: If significant wear is observed on the outer edge of the tire when viewed in the direction of travel, it indicates that the tire has frequently been underinflated, meaning the pressure is insufficient. Inflate the tire to highway standards, which is approximately 30 kPa higher than the normal pressure. 2. Convex and wave-like wear: If the tire's contact area shows convex wear on both sides and wave-like wear around the circumference, it suggests issues with the vehicle's shock absorbers. 3. Even surface wear: Once the tread pattern is worn out, it signifies the end of the tire's lifespan, and replacement is mandatory. The tread pattern also plays a crucial role in dispersing water from the road surface, which is vital for maintaining the car's traction.
Tire cracks must be taken seriously! As someone who frequently drives long distances, I'm most wary of such aging signs. The most dangerous are fine cracks appearing on the sidewalls - if they feel like wrinkles when lightly pressed, immediate replacement is necessary. For superficial cracks in the main tread grooves, temporary use might be acceptable, but ensure the depth remains above the 1.6mm safety line. Here's a practical trick: insert a one-yuan coin vertically into the tread groove - if the silver edge becomes visible, it's basically time to shop for new tires. In winter when tire temperatures drop below 7°C, cracks become more brittle and high-speed blowouts are particularly likely. When replacing tires, remember to choose those with '3T Index' certification for better durability. Checking tire pressure twice monthly is safest, as higher pressure slows crack propagation.
