What are the signs of tire aging?
3 Answers
Tire aging manifests as cracking, hardening of the tire, and tread wear indicators becoming flush with the tread surface. Cracking in tires: The appearance of numerous fine cracks not only affects the comfort level of the tire (noise reduction) but also significantly reduces the tire's grip performance. Tire becoming harder than before: If the tire feels noticeably harder than before, it is likely due to aging, especially in hot weather. Tread wear indicators flush with the tread surface: Generally, the wear indicator height for passenger car tires is 1.6 millimeters, while for load-bearing tires it is 2.4 millimeters. If the wear indicators are flush with the tread surface, it indicates that the tire is nearly worn out. Function of tires: Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery, typically installed on metal rims. They support the vehicle body, cushion external impacts, ensure contact with the road surface, and maintain the vehicle's driving performance.
As an ordinary car owner, my experience is that the most obvious sign of tire aging is the appearance of fine cracks on the tread or sidewalls, especially after prolonged parking, resembling spider webs. Traction noticeably decreases, and the tires tend to skid when braking on rainy days, making the vehicle feel unstable; if the tread wears too shallow, skidding becomes even worse on wet roads. When the rubber of aging tires hardens, you'll feel increased vibrations and louder noise while driving, as if traveling on cobblestones. I once had a tire blowout on the highway because I neglected the aging issue. For safety, it's advisable to visually inspect your tires every six months for cracks or deformities, and timely replacement can prevent accidents.
During prolonged driving, I've noticed signs of tire aging include severe tread cracking, with noticeable unevenness when touched by fingers, which becomes dangerous when the depth increases. Increased or brittle cracks on the sidewalls may be early signs of aging, as the rubber loses elasticity and becomes prone to blowouts. When the tread depth falls below the legal minimum of 2mm, tire friction significantly decreases, increasing the risk of losing control in rainy conditions. Aged tires also become more brittle in low temperatures, raising driving risks in cold weather. Changes in tire noise are also evident, shifting from a low hum to a harsh sound, indicating internal structural damage. On a related note, prolonged exposure to sunlight accelerates aging, so parking in a garage when possible is advisable. It's recommended that owners check the tire date label during every car wash or oil change, as tires older than 5 years warrant special attention.
