Is it a problem if there are many small cracks on the surface of a car's tires?
4 Answers
Small cracks on the tread of a car's tire are a natural aging phenomenon of the tire and are considered normal. Recommendation to replace tires: This is mainly because tires are rubber products. Over time, the rubber of the tire hardens, and the tread or sidewall becomes covered with small cracks. At this point, the performance and strength of the tire decrease. If the cracks on the tread are very fine, they are not a major concern and the tire can still be used for city driving, but it should not be used for high-speed driving as it could easily lead to a blowout. Of course, if possible, it is recommended to replace the tire. Tire lifespan: However, if the cracks on the tread are very deep, the tire should no longer be used. At this stage, the tire is severely aged and has lost the properties that rubber should have, posing a significant safety hazard if continued to be used. Generally, the lifespan of a tire is 3-5 years. Minor cracks may appear around 3 years, and after 5 years, the tire is severely aged. To ensure driving safety, it should be replaced promptly.
Those tiny cracks on the tire surface are no small matter – they're clear signs of aging. Rubber hardens and cracks over time, especially when exposed to prolonged sunlight or frequent temperature fluctuations. The cracks may appear fine, but they weaken the tire structure. During high-speed driving when tire temperatures rise, these cracked areas can become weak points leading to blowouts. We recommend carefully inspecting the crack depth, particularly on the tire sidewalls. If you find deep cracks exposing the inner cord layers, it becomes extremely dangerous. While tires typically last 3-5 years, their actual lifespan shortens with outdoor parking or extended use. Never compromise safety to save money – it should always come first.
I've been driving for thirty years and have witnessed numerous accidents caused by tire cracks. Those fine cracks on the sidewalls are the most dangerous, as the rubber becomes brittle with age and can easily burst under load. Once, a friend's pickup truck had a blowout on the highway due to sidewall cracks, resulting in the vehicle losing control and crashing into the guardrail, causing significant damage. The age of the tire is crucial; even if it looks new, it can still age and crack after five years. I always park in the shade to avoid direct sunlight and check the tire pressure monthly, keeping it between 2.3-2.5 Bar. If you notice fine cracks in the tread grooves, you can gently scratch them with your fingernail to test the depth. If the depth exceeds 1.5 millimeters, it's time to replace the tire. Proper maintenance can extend tire life, but safety should never be taken lightly.
My car developed tire cracks last year, with spiderweb-like fine lines that were particularly concerning. The mechanic said it's natural aging, especially common in tires over four years old. He advised me to frequently check for sidewall cracks and avoid parking on oily surfaces as chemicals can corrode the rubber. After that inspection, I adopted gentler driving habits to prevent sudden braking and regularly remove small stones stuck in tire treads to reduce extra wear. Later I noticed winter cold makes cracks more visible, so now I meticulously examine tire conditions every two months to document crack progression. Although replacing tires costs thousands, it's absolutely worth it for driving safety.
