What are the causes and solutions for cracks on the sidewall of tires?

[VanAshley]

Tire sidewall cracks causes: 1. Poor maintenance or driving on gravel roads and construction sites, where hard objects come into contact with the tire, causing damage to the inner layer under heavy pressure; 2. Long-term use leading to rubber aging, resulting in numerous fine cracks on the sidewall, a common phenomenon for tires older than 4 years. Solutions for tire sidewall cracks: 1. Outer edge wear: If significant wear is observed on the outer edge of the tire along the driving direction, it indicates frequent under-inflation. Inflate according to the "highway" standard, which is 30 kPa higher than the normal standard; 2. Convex and wavy wear: If the tire shows wavy wear around its circumference, it suggests severe wear of components like shock absorbers, bearings, and ball joints. It is recommended to inspect the suspension system and replace worn parts before changing the tire.

[Cali]

Sidewall cracks on tires are quite common. From my years of driving experience, I've observed that they're mainly caused by rubber aging. Over time, prolonged exposure to UV rays makes tires brittle and prone to cracking. Additionally, insufficient tire pressure leads to uneven deformation and stress distribution, which can worsen existing cracks. Other causes include curbing the tire while parking or chemical corrosion from residual car wash foam.

Handling depends on crack depth: If it's just superficial surface crazing without significant depth, you can continue using the tire but must monitor it closely. However, if cracks are visibly deep or show signs of tread separation, replace the tire immediately for safety - never push your luck, especially on highways where blowouts are dangerous. I learned this the hard way and now make it a habit to check tire pressure monthly, maintaining manufacturer-recommended levels to extend tire lifespan.

[MacColton]

From a safety perspective, tire cracks should never be taken lightly. Someone in my neighborhood once had an accident because of this. The main reasons are often tire aging beyond the service life, causing the rubber to lose elasticity, or excessive exposure to sunlight accelerating tire cracking. Sometimes, low-quality tires or impacts with hard objects can also contribute. When dealing with tire cracks, always stop the car first and carefully assess the situation. Use your fingernail to scrape and feel the depth—if it exceeds the edge of your nail, replace the tire immediately to avoid danger on the road. For daily maintenance, try to avoid parking in direct sunlight for extended periods. Use a car cover for sun protection and maintain your tires regularly. Get a comprehensive check-up at a professional shop every six months to ensure stable tire pressure, avoiding fluctuations. When replacing tires, choose ones with recent production dates and try to phase out tires older than five years to reduce risks. I believe safe driving brings the most peace of mind.

[AndersonDella]

The causes of tire cracks can be simply attributed to aging or improper use, such as prolonged exposure to sunlight which can easily lead to surface cracking, or chemical corrosion. In terms of handling, if the cracks are not deep, the tire can still be used temporarily, but it's important to monitor them regularly to avoid worsening. Once deep cracks are observed, it's essential to replace the tire immediately without hesitation—safety comes first. For daily maintenance, remember to maintain standard tire pressure, avoiding levels that are too low, clean tires without using strong acid cleaners, and park in shaded areas when possible. These small practices can help prevent cracks. Generally, a tire's lifespan is about five to six years; if you notice the production date is old, consider replacing them for peace of mind and convenience.