What Causes Cracks in the Middle of a Tire?
4 Answers
Tire cracks in the middle may be caused by the tire frequently being overinflated. Check if the pressure gauge is accurate and adjust the pressure accordingly. Note that overinflation is only necessary during high-speed or heavy-load driving. Below are related explanations: Sidewall cracks: This is often due to poor maintenance or driving on gravel roads or construction sites, where hard objects come into contact with the tire, causing damage to the inner layers under heavy pressure. Immediate action is required; if the damage cannot be repaired, the tire should be replaced. Inner tire wear: This is commonly seen in older vehicles with poor suspension systems, causing the entire body to sag. This indicates tire deformation and compromised symmetry between the two tires. If possible, it is best to replace components such as shock absorbers and ball joints. However, if the cost is too high, consider having a professional mechanic adjust the angle of the front axle and tires first. Outer edge wear: If significant wear is observed on the outer edge of the tire along the direction of travel, it means the tire is often underinflated, i.e., lacking sufficient pressure. Inflate the tire to highway standards, which is 30 kPa higher than the normal standard. Note that underinflated tires are particularly unsafe for rainy weather driving, as their grip will significantly weaken.
Last week when I was washing my car, I noticed cracks in the middle of the tires and immediately looked it up in a panic. Tire cracking is usually caused by aging—rubber becomes brittle after five or six years of use, especially when parked under direct sunlight or in cold weather, as UV rays and low temperatures accelerate cracking. Additionally, incorrect tire pressure can also cause problems, such as overinflation or underinflation, which leads to uneven stress on the tires. Driving habits like overloading or frequently driving on rough roads can make cracks appear more easily. The safety risks are significant—a blowout on the highway could cause an accident, so I immediately went to the repair shop to get new tires. I recommend regularly checking tire pressure and the age of your tires—don’t wait until something goes wrong to take action.
As someone who frequently repairs cars, I've seen many cases of tires cracking in the middle. The main causes are usually too low or too high tire pressure, which leads to tread deformation and fine cracks. Overloading the vehicle also increases the burden on the tires, causing accelerated wear in the central area. Environmental factors like prolonged sun exposure or chemical corrosion are also culprits, as they speed up rubber aging. A simple self-check is to examine the depth of the cracks—if they exceed one millimeter, it's time to replace the tire immediately. For safety's sake, don't neglect regular maintenance, as it can help avoid bigger problems when repairing your car.
Tire cracks may be related to environmental changes. I've seen rubber harden under summer heat waves, causing cracks to emerge. Winter cold has the same effect—large temperature fluctuations make tires prone to deformation and aging. Prolonged use leading to material brittleness is the main cause, compounded by air pollution eroding the surface. To reduce resource waste, I advocate replacing tires early rather than waiting until they're fully cracked. This also saves fuel, as properly maintained tires roll more smoothly.
