Do Tires Need to Be Replaced If the Grooves Are Cracked?

[VonLorenzo]

Tire groove cracking indicates that the tire has aged and can no longer be used, requiring immediate replacement. Precautions for replacing tires: Choose the right tire: The specifications of the tire must match those of the other tire on the same axle. Replace the valve stem as well: After replacing the tire, the aging cycles of the new tire and the valve stem differ. During the new tire's cycle, the valve stem may develop issues. New tires are best installed on the rear axle of the vehicle: If more worn tires are placed on the rear axle, it reduces the rear wheels' water drainage capability, thereby increasing the risk of driving in rainy conditions. Tires should not be used further under the following circumstances: The tire is already worn. Tires have tread wear indicators with a height of 1.6 mm (the legal minimum groove depth). Using worn tires on wet roads can lead to "hydroplaning," increasing the risk of losing control. The tire is damaged. Hitting curbs, falling into potholes, or punctures from nails can severely damage tires. Damaged tires may be repairable, but only a professional repair shop can accurately determine whether the tire can be repaired or needs to be replaced. The tire has aged. If tread deformation or significant cracking is observed, stop using these tires immediately and have them inspected by a professional repair shop to determine if they can still be used. The tire has a bulge. Tire bulges are a high-risk factor for blowouts, especially on highways. Tires with bulges should be replaced promptly.

[ManuelMarie]

I've always believed that tire safety is paramount, and cracks in the grooves are no small matter. After all, tires are the only part of the car that makes contact with the road. If the cracks are numerous and deep, the risk of a blowout while driving increases significantly, which can be life-threatening. I remember a friend's car once lost control on the highway due to severe cracking in old tires—fortunately, nothing serious happened. There are many causes of cracking, such as prolonged exposure to UV rays, rubber aging, or frequent driving on rough roads. My advice is to check the depth of the cracks: insert a coin into the groove—if you can see the base of the coin or the cracks are obvious, it's time to replace the tire immediately. Also, don’t just focus on the grooves; inspect the sidewalls and tread as well. Regular tire maintenance, such as balancing and wheel alignment, can extend their lifespan. In short, safety comes first—don’t take risks to save money. Replace them when necessary.

[Hattie]

I've been driving for years, and whether to replace tires with cracked grooves depends on the situation. If the cracks are few and shallow, just like surface rust spots, they might hold up for a while, and you don't need to spend money on replacements immediately. But if the cracks are deep or numerous, I would definitely prioritize replacing them because mechanics have warned that deep cracks weaken the structure, and a blowout on rough roads would be even more troublesome. I often drive in urban and suburban areas, and when the cracks are severe, the ride becomes unstable, the noise increases, and it feels like the car is protesting. Regular inspections are crucial—check your tires monthly and monitor tire pressure. Financially, buying new tires might seem costly, but it's more economical than dealing with towing fees after a breakdown. Remember, the risk of cracks increases in winter or rainy seasons, so prevention is always better than regret.

[PiperLee]

I think we need to approach tire groove cracking rationally. Last month, I noticed similar issues on my car—minor cracks resembling fine lines, but I didn't take it lightly and immediately went to the shop for an evaluation. The professionals said that small surface cracks might indicate initial drying or aging and wouldn't affect safety for now, but they need close monitoring. From a personal habit perspective, if you only drive at low speeds in the city, you might delay replacement for a few months. However, if you plan to drive on highways or take long road trips, you must address it proactively. As an average car owner, I make it a habit to wash my car regularly to keep the tires clean, which can slow down aging. Once the cracks expand or the tread hardens, it's definitely time to replace them—better safe than sorry.