Do I Need to Replace the Tire if There Are Cracks in the Middle Groove?
3 Answers
Tires with cracks in the middle groove need to be replaced. Introduction to Tires: Tires are round, elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery to roll on the ground. They are usually installed on metal rims to support the vehicle body, absorb external shocks, ensure contact with the road surface, and maintain driving performance. Precautions for Replacing Tires: Choose tires of the same specifications; replace the valve stem at the same time; pay attention to the installation direction and inflation; check tire pressure; perform a four-wheel alignment after replacement; when removing the tire, slightly loosen the fixing screws before lifting the vehicle partially with a jack. Select tires with guaranteed quality.
Seeing cracks in the central grooves of tires actually requires case-by-case analysis. If your tires have been used for 4-5 years with only fine crosswise lines or shallow cracks on the surface, it might just be natural aging and doesn't require immediate replacement. However, if the cracks are deeper than 2mm or extend to the sidewall edges, it's really time to change them. I personally experienced a similar situation with an old car - left unattended, it caused hydroplaning during highway driving in rainy conditions due to poor water drainage. A simple test is to insert a one-yuan coin vertically into the groove: if the tread covers the national emblem's edge with some margin remaining, it's still acceptable; if not, the cracks are too deep and will weaken the tire's structural strength. Additionally, tire lifespan is generally 5-6 years - you can check the DOT number on the sidewall to determine the manufacturing year. In summary, regularly inspect tire conditions to avoid safety hazards.
The central grooves on tires are designed for water drainage. If the cracks are too deep, it can compromise drainage efficiency and increase the risk of hydroplaning. Structurally speaking, tires consist of multiple layers including rubber and fabric cords. If cracks expose the inner cord layers, there's a higher chance of blowouts during high-pressure driving. I've studied tire maintenance—minor aging cracks are normal, but if you manually spread the gap and see deep marks or cracks wider than a strand of hair, it's time to be cautious. Always check the tire's manufacturing date; replace them outright if they're over 5 years old. Tire replacement isn't expensive—online bookings cost just a few hundred yuan, far more economical than potential blowout accidents. Regularly clear debris from tread grooves to extend tire lifespan.
