Have you noticed those little cracks in your tires? Cracked tires can be a real problem if not fixed. Small cracks may not seem like a big deal at first, but they can get bigger over time as you drive. Bigger cracks can mean a tire won’t hold air well or provide good traction on the road. These tires may also blow out suddenly, causing you to lose control of the car.
You should not ignore cracks in tires, small or big. Let’s find out the causes of tire cracking, when it becomes unsafe, and what we can do to prevent this problem.
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What Are Tire Cracking?
Cracks on the tires mean your tires are getting old and may not be safe to drive on much longer. The rubber in tires starts to break down over time from things like sun, heat, and weather. These things cause tiny cracks to form, which will grow only bigger over time.
Cracks are dangerous for a few reasons. They change a tire’s dimensions, which affects how your car drives. Dirt and rocks get inside the tire through these cracks, quickening their damage. Worst of all, cracks can lead to tire splitting on side, bursting, or popping off the wheel completely while driving.
Most tire brands claim their tires to last around 6 years. However, that’s just an estimation because many tires last for 7 or even 8 years before cracking. But the longer you use tires, the more likely cracks will form. So, it’s best not to push it past 6 years. When tires get to be that old, it’s better to replace them before cracks appear for your safety.
Checking your tires regularly allows you to catch small cracks early, before they worsen. Replacing tires as soon as cracks are spotted can prevent potential blowouts. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations on tire rotation and replacement schedules also helps tires last their full lifespan.
The Causes of Cracked Tires
There are several reasons for cracked tires. We’ve discussed some of them below:
Age
Over time, tires start to wear down from all the miles they put in. After months and thousands of miles on the road, the rubber in tires gets weaker, leading to formation of cracks.
Tires are made of polymers, which are types of rubber. Continuous use helps keep these rubber materials flexible. But without regular driving, tires can dry out. When sitting for long periods, like in a garage, the chemicals that prevent drying out don’t work as the tire isn’t moving. This makes the rubber harden and become brittle. Then, small cracks may appear on the outside of the tire.
Also, when tires get older, the constant sun, heat from the road, and flexing takes a toll. Repeated use breaks down the polymers in the rubber compound over several years. This weakening can lead to surface cracks.
Pro tip: It’s recommended by manufacturers to replace your tires every six years, regardless of mileage.
Water
Water can slowly seep into tires through small openings in the rubber over multiple wet drives. Once inside, the water starts to impact the tire in several ways.
When water gets trapped inside a tire, it causes problems as it expands and contracts with temperature changes. This expansion and contraction puts stress on the tire material and leads to cracks forming and growing bigger. The water can also affect how well your tires grip and brake on wet roads. So, driving in rain or snow often could eventually cause cracking issues.
Heat and UV Rays
The rubber in tires expands and contracts with temperature changes from hot to cold. Repeatedly going through this cycle from driving can weaken the rubber.
Intense sun exposure also breaks down rubber faster with UV rays. This is especially bad if it happens quickly, like parking in the hot sun every day. Keeping your tires out of direct sun as much as possible helps them last longer.
If you’re out camping in hot weather areas, you should invest RV tire covers. They might seem like an extra expense, but they’re a much more economical solution than having to replace your tires prematurely.
Natural Wear
Another cause of cracked tires is natural wear and tear over time. Rubber is a material that slowly breaks down, even when not in use. Higher quality tires can last longer, thanks to special chemical additives that prolong the rubber’s life.
But all tires will degrade a bit with each year. Signs like fading tread are clues it may be time for new tires before cracks appear.
Incorrect Tire Pressure
Another common cause of cracked tires is underinflation. Many people don’t check their tire pressure regularly. But low pressure means the tire has to work harder on every drive.
As tires roll, the bottom side bears the most weight and friction from the road. Low pressure makes this worse and generates more internal heat inside the rubber. Over prolonged driving, this extra heat and flexing cracks and eventually breaks down the tire material from the inside out. Proper tire pressure inflation is important to prevent this and ensure even wear of the tread.
Signs like bulging or uneven tread wear can also indicate underinflation issues leading to cracking over time if not addressed.
For peace of mind, you should equip your vehicle/camper with RV tire pressure monitoring systems.
When Are Cracks in Tire Sidewall Unsafe?
While small superficial tire sidewall cracking is quite common and may not initially pose a safety issue, drivers need to monitor cracks closely over time. Minor ones alone are usually fine, but can indicate deeper issues developing. If cracks start lengthening or new ones emerge, it’s wise to get an expert evaluation.
Cracks become unsafe when they grow significantly in size. Deep or wide cracks weaken the tire structure. Extensive cracking over large areas also raises risks. Tread cracks present different dangers as they may relate to internal damage.
Some signs that sidewall cracking has progressed too far are:
- Cracks spreading longer down the rubber
- Crevices getting noticeably deeper each week
- New fractures multiplying along the walls
- A tire only a few years old with several cracks
It’s best to replace tires showing these problem patterns. As cracks widen and branch, blowouts become more possible. You should follow the owner’s manual and have the tires checked by a professional regularly.
Conclusion
Being aware of common cracking causes and regular inspection of the tires can help you catch small problems before they worsen. Taking preventive actions and replacement on time may help you avoid potential blowouts from rubber failure.
