What to Do If There Are Cracks on Car Tires?
3 Answers
If there are cracks on car tires, they should be replaced. Rubber products have a service life and will age and crack over time. Continuing to use tires with cracks can lead to the risk of a blowout. Precautions for tire use: 1. Do not turn the steering wheel while stationary; 2. Avoid driving over curbs; 3. Prevent scraping the sidewalls of the tires. The functions of tires include: 1. Supporting the entire weight of the vehicle, bearing the load of the car, and transmitting forces and moments in other directions; 2. Transmitting traction and braking torque, ensuring good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface, improving the car's power, braking, and passability, and working with the car's suspension to mitigate impacts during driving and dampen vibrations.
When I was young and first noticed cracks in my tires, I foolishly kept driving, which led to a blowout on the highway and nearly caused an accident. From that moment, I learned. Cracks are usually a sign of aging—exposure to wind and sun makes the rubber brittle and prone to cracking, especially on the sidewalls or edges of the tread. This significantly affects grip and braking distance. The safest approach is to stop and inspect immediately. If the cracks are deeper than a few millimeters or widespread, the tire must be replaced without delay. I’ve made it a habit to check tire pressure every two weeks to keep it at the standard level, avoid parking in the sun for long periods, and choose reliable brands like Michelin to minimize cracking. Tires are a matter of life and death—don’t skimp on this expense. Get them replaced at a reputable shop to drive with peace of mind.
Every time I see a small crack in the tire, I get a headache thinking about the cost. Indeed, cracks can have many causes, such as poor road conditions, overinflation, or natural aging. If the crack is minor and only on the surface without air leakage, sometimes you can monitor it for a few days. But deep cracks require immediate tire replacement to prevent blowouts. In terms of cost, new tires aren’t cheap, but rather than risking an accident, it’s better to invest in a decent used tire as a temporary solution. I often recommend friends to first drive to a professional shop for an evaluation—technicians will use tools to measure the depth and advise whether replacement is needed. Regular tire maintenance, like cleaning to avoid chemical corrosion, can extend tire life and save money. In short, safety comes first—don’t take risks. The repair cost from one accident could far exceed the price of a tire.
