Should Tires with Cracks Be Replaced?
2 Answers
If there are minor cracks on car tires, the following methods can help determine whether the tires need replacement: 1. Outer edge wear; If you observe the outer edge of the tire in the direction of travel and notice significant wear, it indicates that the tire is frequently underinflated, meaning the pressure is insufficient. Inflate according to the "highway" standard, which is 30 kPa more than the normal standard. Note that underinflated tires are particularly unfavorable for driving in rainy conditions, as grip will noticeably weaken. 2. Convex and wavy wear; If you find that the contact part of the tire shows convex wear on both sides and the surrounding area exhibits wavy wear, it suggests that components such as the shock absorbers, bearings, and ball joints are severely worn. It is advisable to inspect the wear condition of the suspension system and replace any worn parts before changing the tires. 3. Uniform surface wear; Once the tread is worn out, it indicates that the tire's lifespan has ended, and replacement is necessary. Additionally, the tread plays a crucial role in dispersing water from the road surface, which is vital for maintaining the car's grip. If the wear has reached the standard tread depth (typically 1.6 mm for tires with a width less than 175 mm and 2 mm for wider tires), replacement is required. 4. Center wear; If severe wear is observed in the central area of the tire's contact part, it indicates that the tire is frequently overinflated. Be sure to check the accuracy of the pressure gauge and adjust the pressure accordingly. Note that overinflation is only necessary for high-speed or heavy-load driving.
I've been driving for over 20 years and seen too many cases of tire cracks. Generally, small hairline cracks might just be due to rubber aging, especially those shallow ones on the sidewalls - sometimes they can hold on for a while. But if the cracks are deep and dense or appear on the tire shoulder area, you should replace them immediately. Otherwise, they're prone to blowouts during high-speed driving, which is extremely dangerous. Tires accelerate aging after 6 years from manufacture, and cracks are warning signals. Don't just check the surface - try scratching with your fingernail to test the depth; deep cracks mean danger. I recommend making it a habit to check for cracks every quarter when measuring tire pressure. Avoid prolonged sun exposure when parking to slow down aging. Also, choose reliable brands when replacing tires - don't take risks by going for cheap options. Safe driving is what matters most.
