What are the signs of tire aging?
2 Answers
The signs of tire aging are: 1. The appearance of many fine cracks, which not only affect the comfort level of the tire (quietness) but also cause a severe decline in the tire's grip performance; 2. If the tire feels much harder than before, it is highly likely due to tire aging, especially in hot weather; 3. Generally, the wear indicator height for passenger car tires is 1.6 millimeters, and for load-bearing tires, it is 2.4 millimeters. If the wear indicator is flush with the tread, it indicates that the tire is nearly worn out. Tires are circular elastic rubber products assembled on various vehicles or machinery to roll on the ground, usually mounted on metal rims. They support the vehicle body, cushion external impacts, ensure contact with the road surface, and maintain the vehicle's driving performance.
Speaking of tire aging, I've driven for several years and have encountered tire issues myself. The signs are usually quite obvious: first, fine cracks start to appear on the tire surface, like dried and cracked soil, which is typically caused by the rubber losing elasticity due to aging, especially more common on the tire sidewalls. Secondly, the tread wears unevenly, appearing bumpy, and you can even feel some hard spots, which affects traction and makes the car prone to slipping, particularly on rainy highways, posing significant risks. I've tried checking the tire's age, and generally, if it's been more than 5 years since manufacture, you need to pay attention. Another obvious sign is unstable tire pressure—even after inflating, it drops quickly because the aging rubber loses its sealing ability. If you notice the tire has hardened, causing vibrations or increased noise while driving, it means the elasticity is gone, and you should replace the tire immediately. Otherwise, there are considerable safety hazards. Like the time I nearly had a blowout, I learned my lesson—regular tire inspections are crucial.
