Causes of Cracks in Car Tires
Think about how much stress you put on your tires day in and day out. Your tires have to carry a two ton vehicle over bumpy roads at high speeds. They go over potholes and hit debris in the roadway and in most cases last many tens of thousands of miles. However, they will begin to break down over time.
Chances are that you've seen an older car that hasn't been driven in some time sitting in your neighbor's yard. If you look at the tires, you'll notice that the tires are probably flat and have small cracks running along them. How does this happen?
Over time, the intense heat and pressure that build up inside of a tire can cause the tire to start cracking. Exposure to the elements also speeds this process, and simply sitting out in the sun for many years will cause the tires to dry rot, just like a piece of clothing left outside for a long time.
A tire will usually begin to show cracking on the outside right near where the tire and the rim come together. A small amount of cracking is ok, but anytime you begin to see it spread up the side of the tire, it's time to get them replaced. Tires that are dry-rotted or cracking are susceptible to leaking or blowing out violently, since the sidewall is weakened. Whenever you are in doubt, have a tire professional inspect the tires.
Most brands of tires are warranted by the manufacturer for six years after the date of purchase. This covers any defects or issues that might arise over the usable life of the tire. In most cases, you will wear a tire out long before it reaches the six year threshold. However, if you have your tires longer than that, be sure to keep a wary eye on them.
You can also help prolong the life of your tires and prevent cracking by using nitrogen to inflate them rather than regular air from a gas station. Air from a standard air compressor typically has a high moisture content which over time can cause deterioration inside the tire. You can also help minimize of exposure to the elements on your tires by using a rubber protectant, such as Armor-All, on them when you wash your car. This will also have the extra benefit of making them shine nicely too.
