Do small cracks on the side of car tires require replacement?
2 Answers
Small cracks on the side of car tires do require replacement. Because the structure of a car's tire sidewall differs from that of the tread, the presence of small cracks increases the likelihood of tire blowouts and similar incidents. Therefore, timely replacement is necessary to reduce the risk of such failures. Below is an introduction to the functions of car tires: 1. Support the entire weight of the vehicle, bear the car's load, and transmit forces and moments in other directions. 2. Transmit traction and braking torque, ensuring good adhesion between the wheel and the road surface to improve the car's power, braking, and passability; together with the car's suspension, they cushion the impact encountered during driving and dampen the resulting vibrations. 3. Prevent severe vibrations and premature damage to car components, adapt to the vehicle's high-speed performance and reduce driving noise, ensuring driving safety, handling stability, comfort, and energy efficiency.
I've been driving for decades and have seen many minor tire issues. Small cracks on the sidewall are something you really can't take lightly—they're not a small problem. The sidewall is the weakest part of a tire, bearing tremendous pressure during high-speed driving. These small cracks may indicate rubber aging, usually caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight or improper parking. If ignored, they can gradually deepen, leading to sudden blowouts at high speeds, which is extremely dangerous. I recommend you immediately check the tire's production date (look for a four-digit code on the sidewall). If it's over six years old, it's time to replace the tire. Safety first—replacing tires does cost money, but compared to life-threatening accidents, this small investment is worth it. Try to park in a garage or shaded area to extend tire lifespan. During regular maintenance, ask the technician to inspect them to prevent issues.
