Have you ever looked at an old set of tires and noticed hairline fractures in the rubber surface? If so, we hope they weren’t in your own vehicle. Tire wear is a sign of aging and a sign that your tires are about to wear out. Tires explode when the rubber in the tire breaks down, and the reduced stability can cause much more serious problems on the road.
Sometimes referred to as weather cracking, ozone cracking or weather checking, the formation of cracks in vehicle tires is almost an inevitability. Fortunately, advances in the way tires are manufactured have increased their lifespan, pushing back the onset of cracking. However, once cracks begin to form, the process progresses quickly, so any cracks in your tires should be repaired quickly, especially if the cracks are in the tire treads.
Why Do Tires Blow Out?
Flat tires indicate that the rubber the tires are made of has begun to wear down. This is natural, especially considering that all battered tires are exposed to uneven road conditions, wet weather, chemicals and oils on the road, and near-constant exposure to UV radiation from the sun. Over time, these elements reduce the flexibility of rubber tires, causing them to explode.
In some cases, the result of rot in the tire tread can be the cause of a flat tire. This problem is particularly dangerous because it increases the risk of the tires blowing completely off the rim, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Especially in new tires, a crack can be a sign of a manufacturing defect.
When Are Cracking Tires Unsafe?
Just because there are cracks doesn’t mean you should stop driving over them immediately. Cracking tires must be treated on a case-by-case basis. Surface cracks in pavement usually do not pose an immediate danger to a vehicle. However, as the cracks get deeper or longer, you should start thinking about replacing your tires. Once the process starts, it moves fast.
The severity of cracks also depends on where they form. The sidewall of a tire is more prone to cracking than the tread, although damage to the tread is more severe. When the tread separates, the chances of the wheels flying off completely are high, and this results in a serious safety hazard.
How Long Do Tires Last Before Breaking Down?
Unlike the chicken in your fridge, tires usually don’t have a fixed expiration date. At the time of manufacture, the manufacturer is legally bound to list the date of production and a nominal expiration date of six years from that date. Five to seven years is usually a good estimate for a tire’s lifespan, but a tire’s exact lifespan depends on a number of factors, including how it is stored and how much it is used.
If you notice that your tires are starting to blow out, you have a few options available to you. The first step we recommend is to have the tires professionally inspected. Get a professional look at the cracks to see how long the tire has been there and whether the repair is possible.
Can a Flat Tire Be Repaired?
Once structural damage has occurred to something, no matter how much repair is done, the item cannot be returned to its original strength. At least this is true of the tires. While punctured tires can sometimes be fixed, the results are usually more of a Band-Aid fix. There are many tire-repair seals available on the market, but these only cover up the problem rather than actually fix it.
How Can I Protect My Rubber Tires From Wear and Tear?
A more effective solution than repairing flat tires is to prevent them from deflating in the first place. The key to maintaining the longevity of your tires lies in maintaining their flexibility. This is best done by protecting them from harmful elements: Keep the car in a garage away from the sun and rain; Keep the vehicle away from standing water; Clear away mud, snow, and rock salt; And keep the air in the tires properly.
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