What to Do When There Are Fine Cracks on the Side of Car Tires?
3 Answers
Cracks are minor and can be used normally. If there are many deep cracks, then it is necessary to replace the new tires. The normal lifespan of tires is generally three years. For those who frequently drive, it is recommended to replace the tires every two years. Harder tires and more wear-resistant tires are more prone to cracking. Common abnormal wear includes the following: 1. Early wear in the central part of the tire: The main reason is excessive inflation. Appropriately increasing the inflation of the tire can reduce the rolling resistance of the tire and save fuel. When the inflation is too high, it not only affects the shock absorption performance of the tire but also causes excessive deformation of the tire, reducing the contact area with the ground. Normal wear can only be borne by the central part of the tread, resulting in early wear. If wide tires are selected on narrow rims, it can also cause early wear in the central part. 2. Excessive wear on both sides of the tire: The main reasons are insufficient inflation or long-term overload driving. When the inflation is low or the load is heavy, the contact area between the tire and the ground increases, causing both sides of the tire to come into contact with the ground and participate in work, resulting in early wear. 3. Excessive wear on one side of the tire: The main reason is inaccurate front wheel alignment. When the camber angle of the front wheels is too large, the outer side of the tire experiences early wear. When the camber angle is too small or absent, the inner side of the tire experiences early wear.
Small cracks on the side of car tires should not be taken lightly. I once encountered a similar situation on the highway and didn’t pay much attention at the time, which resulted in a tire blowout and nearly caused an accident. These cracks are usually caused by rubber aging, such as prolonged exposure to sunlight or years of use, making the tire brittle and prone to rupture under pressure. It is recommended to first check the depth of the cracks: use a fingernail or key to scrape and see if it reaches the inner cord layer. If the cracks are shallow and the tire has only been used for a year or two, monitor it for a few days, but avoid long-distance driving. If the cracks are deep or the tire is over five years old, replace it immediately—safety first. Also, check if the tire pressure is normal, as either overinflation or underinflation can accelerate crack propagation. When parking, avoid direct sunlight and use a sunshade cover to slow down aging. Remember to have regular comprehensive inspections at a professional shop—spending a little money to prevent major risks.
I always pay close attention to car maintenance, especially minor issues like small cracks on the sidewalls of tires, which should never be overlooked. These are often caused by natural rubber aging due to exposure to sunlight and rain. Over time, the cracks can expand, posing safety risks. You can start by cleaning the tire surface with a soft cloth to check if the cracks have multiplied. If the cracks are shallow and the tires are relatively new (e.g., less than three years old), they can still be used, but weekly inspections are necessary to monitor any changes. Deep cracks, however, require immediate tire replacement to avoid potential accidents during turns or on bumpy roads.
For daily care, park in shaded areas and apply wax to protect the tire rubber. Don’t forget to check tire pressure regularly—both overinflation and underinflation are harmful. When replacing tires, opt for affordable yet reliable brands; never compromise safety by choosing cheap, low-quality products. Investing in safety is always worthwhile. Additionally, regular tire rotation is a cost-effective way to extend tire lifespan.
