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