What kind of tire cracks are considered normal?
4 Answers
Cracks that are fine and appear on the tire tread are normal. Since the typical lifespan of a tire is five years, small cracks may appear after about three years of use. This is a normal sign of aging, cracking, or wear and does not necessarily require replacement, but regular inspections are still recommended. If cracks appear on the tire sidewall, it is important to have them checked at a shop promptly and replaced if necessary. The sidewall is the most vulnerable part of the tire, and continued driving with such cracks may lead to a blowout. Additionally, if the cracks are too long or deep, reaching the standard tread depth of 1.6mm, replacement is also required. Tires with bulges should be replaced immediately. Bulging is a common issue with tires, usually caused by impacts that break the internal metal cords, leading to bulges. Continuing to drive at high speeds or over long distances with bulging tires significantly increases the risk of a blowout and potential accidents, so drivers should be cautious.
Don't panic when you see small cracks on your tires—they're often a sign of natural aging. After driving 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers, the rubber material hardens and becomes brittle, potentially developing fine cracks, especially near the tread grooves or in shallow areas on the sidewalls. These cracks are usually uniform and superficial. UV exposure and frequent driving accelerate aging, so I always park in shaded areas to protect my tires. As long as the cracks aren't deep or wide and don't expose the cord layer, they're within the safe range. However, developing a habit of regular inspections is crucial—I use a flashlight at least once a month to thoroughly check my tires, ensuring the cracks haven't expanded or deepened. Tires typically last about five years, and these fine cracks serve as a reminder that it's time to consider replacement.
As a car owner, I prioritize tire safety. Minor surface cracks are a normal sign of aging, especially on tires that have been used for three to four years, where fine mesh-like or wrinkle-pattern cracks typically appear concentrated in the tread grooves or edges. These shallow cracks don't affect structural integrity as long as there's no accompanying bulging or abnormal wear. During daily driving, incorrect tire pressure—either too high or too low—increases the risk of cracking, so I always maintain the pressure at the manufacturer's recommended level. In summer heat, cracks may become more noticeable, but superficial ones are generally acceptable. Before heavy rain or long trips, I thoroughly inspect my tires to ensure cracks haven't developed into dangerous splits. Regular tire rotation helps distribute wear evenly and reduces abnormal cracking.
When maintaining my beloved car by myself, I consider the fine grid-like cracks on the tires as a normal result of aging. After several years of use, the natural degradation of rubber leads to small surface cracks, such as uniform fine lines in the tread grooves or on the sidewalls. These shallow cracks, which don't exceed a few millimeters in depth and don't expose the fabric ply, won't affect driving safety. I clean the tire surface with a cloth, avoiding deep grooves during inspection. Maintaining standard tire pressure and avoiding overloading, these fine cracks gradually appear as signs of aging. When tires exceed 50,000 kilometers or four years of use with increasing cracks, it's time to prepare for replacement to ensure worry-free travel.
