Cracked tyres: why do they happen, and can you fix them?
Many of us don't think about the state of our tyres until we notice a problem. Your car may suddenly feel different to drive. A close inspection may reveal a cracked tyre. In this guide we discuss all you need to know about cracked tyres and how to best prevent them.
Why do tyres crack?
Tyres are comprised of several components, with the outside of the tyre made from rubber. Because rubber is a biodegradable material, it is susceptible to degradation as the rubber polymers break down and cracks may form. But how long should tyres last before cracking? There is no simple answer to this question. There are a host of reasons why a tyre may crack, and, more often than not, the crack will be due to a combination of factors.
Age
When driven thousands of miles, tyres naturally begin to degrade. This is partly because of the biodegradable nature of rubber, but also because of the inevitable wear and tear of the road.
Not driving your car for a long time can also cause the polymer to break down as the chemical in the tyre that prevents it from drying out is only activated when the tyre is moving. Therefore, it is advisable to take your car out at least now and then to prevent this. You can reasonably expect your tyres to last you several years, unless they are punctured or degrade because of the other factors that we will talk about below.
Weather
Extremes in the weather can also play havoc with your tyres. The polymers in the tyre will expand in hot temperatures and contract in the cold. Over time, these constant changes will degrade the rubber and can lead to the formation of a crack. Similarly, exposure to intense UV rays can have the same effect. Parking in direct sunlight and not in the shade or in a garage is thought to be the most common cause for cracked tyres.
Water
Despite the fact that rubber is waterproof, excessive exposure to water can cause tyres to crack. If water gets inside the tyre seal, it can play havoc with the wheel alignment and can even affect acceleration and braking. Over time, temperature changes will cause the water inside the tyre to expand and contract and small cracks may start to appear. These will get much larger over time. To avoid this, be mindful of driving your car for long periods in heavy rainfall or flooded areas.
Tyre pressure
Failure to regularly check your tyre pressure or ignore your car tyre pressure warning symbol (if you have one) makes it inevitable that one day your tyres will have a problem. If the pressure in your tyres is too low, the deflated tyres will have increased friction from contact with the road and will heat up more rapidly. Conversely, over-inflated tyres can make them bulge, which may lead to a tyre blow-out. Regularly checking the tyre pressure is a simple, yet effective, way of preventing damage to your tyres.
Winter tyres
When to replace a cracked tyre?
You may be wondering if you see a tyre cracking when to replace it? Can replacement hold off for another month or two? The answer is, unequivocally, no. When you know that you have a cracked tyre, you should replace it straight away. Failure to do so could result in a tyre blow-out on the road, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
As soon as you spot a cracked tyre on your car, ideally, you should replace it with your car's spare tyre. Then, you should drive to a garage to replace it with a new tyre, making sure that you replace it with the most appropriate tyre for your car. Unfortunately, cracked tyres cannot be patched up, making the purchase of a new tyre absolutely necessary.
Are cracked tyres illegal?
While driving with cracked tyres is not illegal, it is dangerous to do so, and your car will certainly not pass its annual MOT. To pass an MOT, car tyres will be inspected for any cracks or tears. The mechanic will also measure the tyre's tread depth, which must reach the legal minimum of at least 1.6 mm to pass.
It may be tempting to delay the purchase of a new tyre because of this. But remember that you are taking a big risk by not replacing damaged tyres right away.
How can I prevent cracked tryes?
Ultimately, prevention is the name of the game. To stop your tyres from cracking, having good maintenance habits is essential. This can save you both hassle and hazards later on. Check your tyre pressure frequently, park in the shade or in a garage and prevent excessive contact with water. Finally, if you have not changed your tyres for years, it may be worth checking for cracks and bulges and ensuring there is sufficient tread depth, so you can preemptively change the tyre before a problem arises.
Nearest dealer
If you have more questions about storing your tyres or if your tyres have aged and you need new ones, contact your nearest tyre dealer.
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