Tire Cracking Between Treads: Common Causes And Solution
Is the sound of rubber cracking between the treads concerning you? he well-being of both the driver and the passenger relies on the condition of the tires. The four patches of rubber on your vehicle are the crucial element that stands between you and potential disaster.. A little maintenance now can save you from a lot of trouble down the line.
Your tires rubber may deteriorate if it has cracks. Rubber degradation occurs naturally due to exposure to UV rays, lubricants, chemicals, etc. Cracks form when this elasticity declines.
We’ll discuss the hazards of tire cracking between treads and how to prevent them.
What Are The Cracks In Tires?
Tire crack is a phenomenon that the tire develops over time due to many reasons. While some tire cracking is expected and typical overtime, excessive cracking may indicate trouble.
Inspecting tires regularly for any symptom between the treads can keep your vehicle safe from poor performance, stability, grip, and safety. Rubber’s properties and durability can be prolonged over time when it is protected from heat, UV radiation, moisture, and storage conditions which cause it to dry out and become brittle. Resulting in cracks. A tire may be overinflated or under inflated, which causes uneven wear and tear if the tire’s sidewall has apertures.
Moreover, cracks may indicate a more significant problem, such as a manufacturing flaw or damage from driving on unpaved roads. To avoid damaging tires, we must regularly check for signs of cracks, wear, and tear; initially, recovery is less expensive than later.
Tire cracking between treads may cause blowouts, loss of control, and other hazardous conditions on the road if they are not repaired. Although tire cracking is typical for ageing, excessive cracking could signify something more serious. You may keep your tires in excellent condition and safe for use on the road with routine inspections and maintenance.
What Causes Tire Sidewall Cracking?
Exposure to UV radiation, oils, chemicals, and other factors naturally causes sidewall cracking. These factors gradually cause components to degrade and reduce rubber’s flexibility over time. Cracks in the sidewall indicate that the rubber of your tire is beginning to degrade.
Tire cracking between treads starts appearing when the flexibility reduces over time. Even minor fractures in the tire will become more prominent as it experiences more wear and tear, particularly as the rubber’s elasticity decreases. Cracks will eventually result in a split tire when the tire’s sidewall splits wide, making the tire useless if not repaired.
What Causes Tires to Crack in the Tread?
- Weather Effects: Fluctuating weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, can have a detrimental impact on the integrity of your tires. When exposed to high temperatures, the polymers in your tire’s rubber may expand and contract, leading to weakening over time. This process increases the risk of tire tread splitting.
- Water Damage: Driving on wet or snowy pavements can result in minor cracks on the tire surface. If water seeps into these cracks, it can worsen the situation due to the freezing and thawing cycles associated with changing temperatures. When the liquid freezes and thaws with the changing temperatures, it can exacerbate the cracks, compromising the structural integrity of the tire.
- UV Ray Damage: The compounds present in vehicle tires can be adversely affected by prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. This can lead to degradation, resulting in dry rot or cracking of the rubber. It is advisable to choose shaded parking spots whenever possible and to keep your tires protected from the sun’s rays to protect them from UV ray damage.
- Under or overinflation: Excessive air pressure can strain the tire wall, causing it to bulge, while insufficient air can increase road friction and accelerate tire wear. Regularly monitoring your tire pressure reduces the chances of tire cracking.
- Natural Age: If a tire is approximately 5 to 6 years old, you might observe fractures extending from the sidewall toward the tread area. This degradation typically happens when the quality of the rubber compound and its components begins to deteriorate.
- Exposure to Oils & Chemicals: Tires can fracture when exposed to gasoline, oil, or any strongly acidic compounds (which might include some cleaning agents). Specific cleaning solutions could contain many acids, which might destroy the tire.
How To Prevent Ageing And Cracked Tires
Tire cracks between treads can develop gradually over time. However, by taking proper care of your tires, you can prevent the formation of fractures until the tread wears out.
Proper care is the first line of protection. Regularly washing your tires and using suitable tire formulations for shine and security can keep the surface away from cracks.
It is also important to store tires correctly. The most effective way to keep spare sets is in clean, dry tire bags, either stacked vertically if they’re not installed or flat on their sides if they are.
Another factor to consider is proper maintenance. By making sure that the tire pressure complies with specifications, you can prevent excessive tension from tearing the surface apart. We can also prevent excessive force from cracking tires by avoiding overloading them and observing the speed limit.
When are cracks in tire sidewalls unsafe?
It mainly depends on the crack’s depth degree. If the cracks are severe enough to expose the tire’s cords or plies underneath, then this is an alarming indication that the tires have worn off and are highly unsafe to be used further.
Moreover, cracks that are located near the tire’s bead can also be dangerous. If the fractures are minor and only affect the tire’s top layer, there can be a decreased performance in the functionality. It is a good idea to have the tire inspected by a professional to determine whether it needs to be replaced.
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How do you fix cracked tires?
Time needed: 30 minutes.
Fixing a cracked tire is not recommended, as it can compromise the performance and safety of the tire. However, if there are minor cracks in your tires and you do not want to spin money on new tires. Here is a solution for you.
- Let your vehicle coo
While the vehicle is cooling down, inspect the tires of the vehicle and note down the major and minor wear, tear, and cracks. By doing so, you can determine which cracks require attention or further examination.
- Jack up the Vehicle
Park your vehicle on a flat and stable surface to ensure stability and prevent rolling. Position the jack stand beneath the vehicle and lift it until the tire is completely off the ground.
- Remove the Cars Tires
Apply the safety brakes before removing the lug nuts. After removing the lug nuts, carefully remove the tire from the wheel. Properly analyse the hairline cracks in the tires between the treads inside and outside.
- Wash the Car Tires
To begin, Use the all-purpose cleaner to clean off the dirt, slush, and debris stuck in the cracks of the tires. Avoid using water, as it will not be able to deep clean or remove the targeted stain properly. Using this all-purpose cleaner can not just enhance protection but also save time and effort.
- Dry the tire
Use a clean, dry cloth, and wipe the tire thoroughly. Do not forget to remove any excess substance present in the tire. Make sure not to expose the tire to direct sunlight.
To achieve proper results and prevent major problems like rust or corrosion, it is important to allow the tire to dry completely before conducting any repairs. - Apply the Sealant
Now, it’s time to experience the magic by applying the Off-Road Tire Coating & Preservation Treatment. This specialised treatment works as a strong shield to protect the tires against tire-cracking elements while also filling up the cracks. Apply it generously to the entire surface of each tire. Remember to carefully follow the provided instructions for the utmost results.
Tire sidewall cracking chart
Are cracks between tire treads unsafe?
Cracks between tire treads can diminish a tire’s ability to grip the road effectively, as the tread is designed to provide traction. This can result in compromised handling, higher risk of hydroplaning, and longer stopping distances.
Moreover, Cracks can allow water to enter the tire, causing damage to its internal structure and leading to tire failure or a blowout. If you find cracks between the treads, get the tires inspected by a qualified technician.
The decision to replace or repair the car’s tire depends on the extent of the damage. If the crack reaches a considerable depth where the cords or steel belts become exposed, it is highly recommended to promptly replace the tires.
Conclusion
To prevent your tires from cracking, you must remove harsh chemicals from your tires, maintain proper tire inflation, and park or store your vehicle away from rapidly changing weather conditions. You must also drive your vehicle regularly to keep your tires in proper shape.
Visiting an expert is vital as they can provide advice on proper maintenance and care to help prevent future problems.
