how do i stop my tire sidewall from cracking

How do I stop my tire sidewall from cracking?

• Clean tires with mild soap and water.
• Inflate the tires according to the manufacturer's recommendations when in use and in storage.
• Store the vehicle on surfaces, such as cement, that are free of petroleum.

Full Answer

Can you fix a cracked sidewall on a tire?

There are fillers on the market that make it easy to fill the cracks in a tire's sidewall on your own. It is something to consider if you deem the cracks unsightly and they are only harming cosmetics. However, it's essential to understand that this is only an aesthetic fix, and it will not reverse the impacts of dry rot.

How can I prevent my tires from cracking?

Follow proper tire care and maintenance to help prolong the life of your tires from premature cracking. Inspect both the sidewalls and tread of your tires monthly to monitor the overall condition, specifically looking for any cracks, discoloration, bulges, wear or additional unnatural blemish.

What causes tyre sidewall cracking?

Tire sidewall cracking occurs when the rubber in the tire begins to wear down. Often, this occurs due to the elements that the tire comes into contact with every day. For instance, UV light, chemicals, oils, and other factors can cause sidewall cracking over time.

What happens if you have a crack in your tire tread?

In most cases, a crack in the tire tread develops first on the sidewall, and then moves to the outer part of the tire, going underneath the tread. Tire tread cracks can also indicate dry rot underneath the tread that could lead to the tread blowing off the wheel entirely, which can put the vehicle at risk of losing control on the road.

What causes sidewall cracking on tires?

What Causes Tire Sidewall Cracking? Cracks are a sign that the rubber in your tires is starting to break down. This happens naturally due to exposure to UV light, oils, chemicals, and other elements that slowly break down compounds and reduce the rubber's flexibility over time.

Can sidewall cracks be repaired?

To do so, thoroughly clean the fissure using dirt-removing tire cleaning sprays (a carburetor cleaner also works great). Roughen up the area around the crack by scraping it; this will help the adhesive stick to it. Then, once the crack is dry and unsoiled, squeeze in an elastic cement specifically for patching tires.

Are tires with cracked sidewalls safe?

Cracked tires are no good-and, often, you'll notice sidewall cracks in your tires first. Sidewall cracking is dangerous because it reduces a driver's ability to handle dramatic increases in load when taking corners and increases the possibility of a tire blowout. Repairing sidewall cracks ASAP is always the best idea.

Should you replace tires that are cracking?

Once a crack is determined to be hazardous, it will be recommended that your tire(s) be replaced. If cracking is found throughout the surface and extends deep into the rubber, it's a sign that your tire's rubber compound is compromised – most of your tire's function is dependent on the integrity of the rubber compound.

Can u use Flex Seal on tires?

Sure, a flex seal can fix a tire, and it's a great way to fix it quickly and efficiently. With its easy-to-stick characteristics, properties such as tire rubber components, and sealing ability, flex seal can fix air leaks.

How do you fix dry cracked tires?

0:573:42EASY Dry Rot Tire Fix - FREE, no cost, super simple - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo all you're doing is just replacing the moisture. Basically greasing the oil or greasing theMoreSo all you're doing is just replacing the moisture. Basically greasing the oil or greasing the rubber with the oil and that allows those little fractures to close up it's like magic.

How long should tires last before cracking?

Your tires are made to last for five to seven years, but severe cracking can occur long before. They can develop superficial cracks at any time, and even a newly purchased tire could have some if it's more than a few years old.

Is it OK to drive with cracked tyres?

Are cracked tyres dangerous? You should avoid driving with cracked tyres. This is because the tyre's rigidity and strength have been compromised and you could experience a blowout while driving. If you notice cracks around your tyres, you should take your car to a garage and have new ones fitted.

How long should tyres last before cracking?

Usually, the tyre tread wears down quicker than that. For older tyres, you can: Check for signs of cracking on the sidewalls of tyres 4 or 5 years old if your car's parked outside. Replace them if the cracking's severe.

What does dry cracked tires mean?

Tire dry rot is also known as sidewall cracking. As the term suggests, dry rot is primarily characterized by cracks in the tire rubber. If one or more of your tires has developed dry rot, you may notice the following warning signs: Brittleness. Dry rot dries out your tires.

What causes tire sidewall cracking?

This type of tire sidewall cracking is sometimes called ozone cracking or weathering. As a tire continues to degrade and dry out, dry rot can occur. Chemicals can also cause cracked tires. Tire cleaning or dressing products can damage the rubber in tires.

Why do tires crack?

Lots of fine tire sidewall cracks can be caused by exposure to sunlight, excessive heat, or ozone.

Can you use a tire cleaner on tires?

If you clean your tires or want to use any sort of protectant, make sure that the chemicals are safe for use on tires. Cleaners that are too harsh can actually strip away the protective compounds that are designed to help prevent tire cracking.

Can low tire pressure cause cracking?

Incorrect tire inflation such as frequent low pressure can lead to cracked tires. So can exceeding a tire's load limit. It's a good idea to monitor your tire air pressure to help prevent tire cracking, in addition to all of the other benefits of proper tire inflation.

Can a tire blowout cause an emergency?

And a tire blowout at highway speeds would create an immediate emergency situation. Superficial tire sidewall cracking may not be an immediate safety concern, but sometimes cracks in tires that seem minor can get worse in no time. Severely cracked tires must be replaced.

What to do if your tires crack?

If you suspect possible cracking in your tires, or see visible signs of sidewall weathering occurring, schedule an appointment with a Goodyear retailer for a tire evaluation. Goodyear is here to help make sure you, and your vehicle, are driving on properly maintained tires.

How to prevent tire from cracking?

Follow proper tire care and maintenance to help prolong the life of your tires from premature cracking. Inspect both the sidewalls and tread of your tires monthly to monitor the overall condition, specifically looking for any cracks, discoloration, bulges, wear or additional unnatural blemish.

Why is it important to keep your tires properly inflated?

If cracking or sidewall weathering is evident in your tires, keeping the tires properly inflated may be more difficult not be possible as air loss may occur through the affected areas. Maintaining proper inflation pressure is the single most important thing you can do to promote tire durability and maximize tire life.

Why do tires have sidewall weathering?

The sidewall weathering that is visually evident on the tire occurs when the rubber compounds used to make the tire begin to break down. As with most products, there is a natural degradation over time and exposure to adverse environmental conditions with the rubber compounds that make up a tire. Being exposed to high ozone concentrations in ...

Why is my tire rotching?

TIRE DRY ROT. Tire Dry Rot, aka Sidewall Weathering, is visible cracking in a tire’s tre ad or sidewall caused when a tire’s rubber compounds break down. This visible cracking could be caused by a variety of factors, including but not limited to: too much exposure to sunlight, low tire inflation, or simply not using the tires for extended periods ...

How to clean tires after washing?

After washing the tires with soap, give the tires a simple rinse with water. Avoid Harmful Products and Chemicals: If you are planning to use other tire protectants or cleaning products, read the product labels and be aware of what other chemicals are going on your tire.

What causes a tire to flake off?

1. Breakable Appearance: The tire will appear harder than normal with the surface being brittle and touching the affected areas could cause pieces of the rubber to flake off. 2. Cracking in the Tire’s Sidewall: Cracks on the sidewall of the tire will be noticeable and could extend to larger areas. 3.

Why do tires crack?

Tires usually begin cracking due to old age, weather/climate, or the tire has been sitting in one spot for a while with low tire pressure. Additionally, if your tire is six years old or more, you need a new tire, especially if you have excessive tire cracking.

How to tell if a tire is cracked?

Symptoms of cracked tires are usually very easily noticeable. Cracking tire symptoms include cracking of the tire. In small cases, you might have to look really closely at your tires to see tiny cracks. Even tiny cracks should be addressed. Another symptom could be your tire falling apart and is very dry to the touch.

What is tire shine?

Tire shine’s should be used to prevent dry rot before it begins. Chemical Guys Silk Shine. Sprayable dry-to-the-touch non-greasy dressing works on interior and exterior vinyl, rubber, plastics, tires and dashboard surfaces to restore original OEM look that will not attract dirt or dust.

What are the problems with tires?

Keep healthy tires on your car at all times and be a safe smart driver. Cracked tires. Tires are “dry” to the touch. Small cracks, tire dry rot on tire tread. Small cracks, tire dry rot on tire sidewall.

What does the dot sign on a tire mean?

The “DOT” symbol certifies that the tire manufacturer is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tire safety standards. Find the Numbers.

What does it mean when a tire cracks?

So, when a tire is in the early stages of tire cracking , it is a tell tale sign that you need to start looking for new tires. In extreme cases, when you have sidewall cracks all over the sidewall, you should be scared to even drive your car.

How old should a tire be to get a new one?

Additionally, if your tire is six years old or more, you need a new tire, especially if you have excessive tire cracking. Dry rot, on any part of the tire, is a safety issue. Certain chemicals or cleaners you use on your tires can also cause cracked tires.

What causes a tire to crack?

Causes of Tire Cracking 1 Keep the tires away from excessive sunlight and UV rays. 2 Keep the abrasive or corrosive substances like motor oil, industrial cleaning agents at bay from the tires. 3 Avoid driving in drastic weather changes. 4 Check for the air pressure, avoid under-or over-inflation. 5 Keep the tires away from electrical equipment that generates ozone.

How to prevent tire rot?

Make it a habit to check the sidewall and the tire before taking the vehicle for a drive. Avoid the sun. UV rays are nobody’s friend. Always park your car in the shade, away from the sun, to save them from dry rot.

What is dry rot tire?

Dry Rot Tire, widely known as tire’s sidewall cracking. As the term defines itself, Dry Rot Tire means the occurrence of cracks in the tire rubber. Severe dry rot tire can cause cracks on the edges of the tire’s treads.

How to keep tires from ozone?

Keep the abrasive or corrosive substances like motor oil, industrial cleaning agents at bay from the tires. Avoid driving in drastic weather changes. Check for the air pressure, avoid under-or over-inflation. Keep the tires away from electrical equipment that generates ozone.

Can you repair a tire that is dry rot?

Minor cracks can be repaired, but dry rot tires cannot. To save you money and the hassle, we have gathered a list of the signs and causes of tire cracking. Keep the tires away from excessive sunlight and UV rays. Keep the abrasive or corrosive substances like motor oil, industrial cleaning agents at bay from the tires.

Can a tire be replaced if it has a dry rot?

However, if the sidewall cracks are deep- a dry rot tire, the tire needs to be replaced . Whichever the case, it is best to go for professional guidance.

What happens if a tire sidewall cracks?

This cracking can wear down the tire fast, and a small number of visible cracks can quickly lead to several major cracks that put your tire at serious risk of a sidewall blowout.

When are cracks in tire sidewalls unsafe?

When are Cracks in Tire Sidewall Unsafe? When sidewall cracks are minor and superficial, it may be safe to continue driving on the tires. Sidewall cracks aren't completely out of the ordinary, and small cracks that are barely visible aren't likely to represent an imminent safety concern. If sidewall cracks continue to grow in length, depth, ...

What does it mean when a tire cracks?

Tire tread cracks can also indicate dry rot underneath the tread that could lead to the tread blowing off the wheel entirely , which can put the vehicle at risk of losing control on the road. Cracks in your tire treads need to be examined immediately.

Why do tires crack?

This happens naturally due to exposure to UV light, oils, chemicals, and other elements that slowly break down compounds and reduce the rubber's flexibility over time . As this flexibility declines, cracks develop.

Where do tire tread cracks go?

In most cases, a crack in the tire tread develops first on the sidewall, and then moves to the outer part of the tire, going underneath the tread.

How to store tires?

Store your vehicle in a garage whenever possible, away from direct sunlight. Don't allow tires to sit in standing water. Clean snow and mud off tires after you've finished driving. Keep tires properly inflated, to reduce the strain placed on the tire's rubber. Don't let your vehicle sit stationary for too long.

Do tire cracks grow?

Once cracks develop, it's only a matter of time before the tire reaches the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. Even small cracks will continue to grow as the tire takes on more wear and tear —especially as the flexibility of the rubber deteriorates.

Why do tires crack?

Tire cracking, also called weather cracking, occurs on all tires. Weather conditions such as heat, cold and sunlight cause cracks to appear on the sidewalls and at the base of tire's tread grooves. Tire cracking is a problem more for stored vehicles such as RVs, classic cars and trailers.

How to clean a tire?

Step 1. Clean tires with mild soap and water. Avoid using alcohol and petroleum-based cleaners as the rubber surface gets dry and cracks easier. Tires also contain protective antioxidants and anti-ozones.

How often should I drive my car to prevent tires from cracking?

Drive the vehicle every couple of months. When tires move, they heat up and the protective components such as antioxidants and anti-ozones move closer to the surface preventing them from cracking.

How to store a car in the cold?

Do not leave your vehicle on frozen ground for long periods of time. If you must leave it outside during the cold months, place something under the tires to prevent them from freezing to the ground. ...