Must tires with small cracks after four years be replaced?

[StJourney]

It depends on the condition of the tire cracks. The details are as follows: 3-5 years: Generally, the lifespan of tires is 3-5 years. After 3-4 years of use, due to rubber aging, it is inevitable that many cracks will appear. If there are not many cracks and they only appear on the tread, this is normal aging cracking or wear and does not require immediate replacement. However, regular inspections are essential since the tires are nearing the end of their lifespan. Large area: If the cracks cover a large area, are too long or deep, and are close to damaging the tire body—especially if they appear on the sidewall or in the drainage grooves—the tires must be replaced as soon as possible. The sidewall is the most vulnerable part of the tire, and continuing to drive with such damage could lead to a blowout.

[LenaLee]

My car tires had small cracks after four years of use, so I replaced them immediately because safety comes first. Tire aging isn't just about time; it also depends on environmental exposure and usage frequency. If exposed to sun and rain frequently, rubber tends to crack. Small cracks may seem minor, but they might not hold up at high speeds, and a blowout could lead to serious consequences. My neighbor had a similar accident and almost got into trouble. I recommend checking the depth of the cracks by inserting a coin into the tread grooves. If the crack is deeper than the groove or you can see the internal fabric layer through the crack, you must replace the tire. Don't skimp on the cost—road safety is paramount. Regularly checking tire pressure is also crucial, as low pressure accelerates aging. In short, don't hesitate—address it promptly to avoid regrets.

[DiBrody]

Oh, small cracks on tires after four years? I've encountered this situation before. I don't think it's absolutely necessary to replace them immediately, but you should assess the risks. If the cracks are only on the surface and shallow, and you mostly drive on city roads with smooth surfaces, you can still get by for a while. But the key is the location: cracks on the sidewall are more dangerous than those on the tread, as they can easily lead to air leaks. I remember once driving in the rain, and the tire cracks caused the car to skid—it really scared me. Saving money is fine, but don't take unnecessary risks. Take your car to a repair shop and let the mechanics check it. They can quickly assess the safety level with their tools. Also, check the tire pressure and keep it between 2.3-2.5 bar—both too high and too low pressure can damage the tires. Try to avoid parking in direct sunlight to extend the tire's lifespan. Safe driving is no small matter—don't be careless about it.

[Tyra]

Tire cracks are often caused by aging, as rubber hardens and cracks due to thermal oxidation after four years. For small cracks, check the depth: superficial ones aren't urgent, but deep cracks exposing fabric cords or steel wires are dangerous and may lead to blowouts at high speeds. Check the tire sidewall for the DOT code; the last four digits indicate the production week and year, e.g., 2121 means the 21st week of 2021. Tires exceeding six years are strongly recommended for replacement due to aging. Test by gently scraping the crack with a key—if it feels hard or the crack is large, act immediately. Drive carefully to reduce sudden braking and ease tire pressure. Simply put, address issues early when spotted.