What Causes Cracks on the Side of Tires?
2 Answers
Cracks on the side of tires can occur due to the following reasons: 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 tire side, a common phenomenon in tires older than 4 years. Methods to address cracks on the side of tires include: 1. Outer edge wear: If significant wear is observed on the outer edge of the tire in the direction of travel, it indicates that the tire is often underinflated. 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 perimeter, it suggests severe wear of components such as shock absorbers, bearings, and ball joints. It is recommended to inspect the wear condition of the suspension system and replace any worn parts before changing the tire.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and cracks on tire sidewalls are quite common. The main reason is usually tire aging, as rubber materials harden and become brittle over time, especially for vehicles parked in sunlight where UV exposure accelerates this process. Insufficient tire pressure is another key factor - when pressure is low, the tire sidewalls experience excessive bending during every turn or bump, leading to cracks over time. Rough road surfaces or debris hitting the sidewalls can also cause damage. I make it a habit to check my tires after each car wash, using a tire pressure gauge to ensure each wheel is within the recommended range. When I spot small cracks, I stay vigilant because they can expand and potentially cause blowouts - it's safer to replace them when needed. With today's advanced tire technology, choosing durable brands can extend tire life by several years. Remember, regular maintenance saves money and provides peace of mind - I recommend professional inspections every six months as preventive care.
