Is it normal for car tires to have small cracks?
3 Answers
Tire cracks should be evaluated based on the actual situation. Factors such as usage duration, driving conditions, road surface conditions, natural aging or cracking of the tire, and the tire's own quality should be considered separately. Professional inspection and testing should be conducted before deciding whether to replace the tire. The following is an introduction to tires: 1. The main functions of tires include dry grip, hydroplaning resistance, providing comfort, reducing driving noise, impact resistance, wet grip, load capacity, handling performance, average wear, and mileage. 2. The cross-sectional structure of a tire can be roughly divided into four parts: tread, shoulder, sidewall, and bead. Each part has its own function. The tread mainly contacts the ground, the shoulder and sidewall provide support, and the bead contacts the wheel rim to provide sealing.
A while ago, while washing my car, I noticed some fine cracks on the tires, resembling spider webs. At first, I was a bit worried, but after consulting my mechanic friend, I learned it's not a big deal as long as the cracks are shallow and only on the tread surface, not deep, and the tires are less than three years old. This is due to rubber aging, which naturally occurs from too much sun exposure or over time. However, I must point out that if the cracks are on the sidewall or very deep, they might indicate internal issues, posing higher safety risks, especially at high speeds. Now, every time I refuel, I do a quick check on tire pressure and crack depth, and I avoid parking in direct sunlight for extended periods to prolong tire life. Safety always comes first, so I recommend others also perform regular visual inspections and seek professional evaluation if anything seems off. After all, a tire blowout is no small matter, particularly dangerous during rainy high-speed driving. Taking a little time to check can save a lot of trouble.
The small cracks on my tires made me quite nervous, as I prioritize vehicle safety above all and can't afford to be careless. Last week when I noticed superficial cracks on my tires, I immediately took them to a repair shop for inspection. The experts explained that minor cracks are common in older tires, and extra caution is needed for those over five years old; superficial ones might be acceptable but require monitoring for expansion. I learned to gently scrape with a fingernail to check depth: if it's no more than 1mm, it might be temporarily usable. However, for safety, I advise against taking risks, especially before long trips—always assess the condition. The cracks result from rubber oxidation, with UV rays and heat accelerating aging. Now, I perform quarterly self-inspections, including tread and pressure checks. Maintaining proper tire pressure can help reduce crack formation. Preventing blowouts is critical—don't wait until losing control to regret it. Addressing issues promptly is much safer.
