Do Car Tires with Minor Cracks Need Replacement?
3 Answers
Tires with cracks should be inspected at a 4S shop to assess the extent of damage and determine whether replacement is necessary. If abnormal conditions are detected in vehicle tires, immediately switch to the spare tire and promptly visit a repair shop to fix the damaged tire. In cases where tires pose significant safety hazards, they must be replaced immediately, preferably ensuring all four tires have matching tread patterns. When uniformity across all four wheels isn't achievable, maintain consistency between front and rear wheel tread patterns. Below are guidelines on tire replacement criteria: 1. If cracks appear on the tire sidewall, timely replacement is advised. The sidewall is the most vulnerable part of a tire; issues here not only affect driving but also significantly increase the risk of a blowout, posing major safety hazards. 2. It's recommended to have the tires checked at a 4S shop or a professional auto repair facility to seek advice from specialists.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've witnessed serious accidents caused by tire cracks. Tire cracks are usually signs of aging, and ignoring them may lead to blowouts at high speeds, threatening lives. I carefully check the depth of cracks—using a coin to test. If it's deeper than the tread pattern or exposes steel belts, immediate replacement is necessary. Location also matters: sidewall cracks are more dangerous than tread cracks. Generally, tires last 5-6 years regardless of wear. I regularly check pressure and balance, avoiding overloading. If there are only minor surface cracks, they might still be usable, but safety comes first—I recommend getting a professional assessment. Don't risk big to save small; replacing a tire is cheaper than repairing an accident-damaged car.
As an average family car owner, I'm always looking to save money. Getting a new set of tires isn't cheap, ranging from hundreds to over a thousand yuan. When I notice minor cracks, I do some calculations: ignoring them might lead to a blowout with towing fees or bigger losses; replacing them now could mean several more years of use. If the cracks are very shallow and only on the tread surface, it might be normal aging—you can keep using them but check monthly for any worsening. I also pay attention to tire pressure, as underinflation can accelerate cracking. Additionally, I observe crack patterns: isolated small spots are fine, but cracks forming a complete circle are concerning. My advice is to weigh the risks—if it's not serious, save money and keep using them; otherwise, replace them sooner for peace of mind.
