Do Tire Cracks Require Replacement?
3 Answers
Tire cracks should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, as follows: 1. If the cracks appear on the tread (crown) of the tire, the need for replacement depends on the severity of the cracks. 2. If the cracks appear on the sidewall of the tire, especially at the junction between the sidewall and the bead filler, immediate replacement is necessary. Here are some methods to prevent tire cracks: 1. Avoid exposing the car to prolonged sunlight, refrain from heavy acceleration on poor road conditions, and try to prevent the tires from skidding on the ground. 2. Regularly clean dirt or hard debris attached to the tires to avoid damage or punctures.
If cracks appear on your tires, never ignore them. These cracks could be caused by tire aging or prolonged use on rough road conditions. Based on my years of driving experience, cracks on the tire sidewall, especially those deeper than 2-3 millimeters along the tread lines, pose a particularly high risk and may lead to a blowout at any moment. A blowout at high speeds is extremely dangerous, as it can cause loss of vehicle control, endangering both yourself and others. Safety first—I recommend stopping immediately to inspect the tire. Use a coin to gauge the depth of the crack; if the tread pattern is no longer visible, head to a professional shop for a replacement without delay. Don’t delay for the sake of saving money—safety is paramount. Avoid sudden braking and hitting curbs during normal driving, and maintain your tires regularly to extend their lifespan.
As a brother who has been working in car factories for years, I can talk about tire cracks from a maintenance perspective. Cracks are usually caused by rubber aging, UV exposure, or chemical corrosion. To determine whether to replace the tire, you need to look at the location of the crack: shallow cracks on the tread can still be used for a while, but sidewall cracks must be replaced because that's the weak point of the support structure. If the crack depth exceeds two millimeters or the tire has been used for more than five years, don't hesitate to replace it directly. When the risk of a blowout is high, replacing the tire is the most cost-effective, starting at a few hundred yuan, which is much better than having an accident. Usually, don't overload or expose the tires to prolonged sunlight when driving, and check more in summer to reduce hazards.
