Ever wonder why your tires crack? We can tell you!
- Tires
- Safety
Have you ever wondered why tires crack? It's a common problem and one that can be pretty frustrating. But there are a few reasons why it happens. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most common causes of tire cracking. Thanks for reading!
Tires are made of rubber, which is a natural material that comes from trees.
Rubber tires are one of the most common items that you see every day, but did you ever stop to think about where it comes from? Natural rubber is derived from trees and has been a part of history for thousands of years! It was first used in China for making shoes, and today it's an essential part of our transportation. Rubber tires not only keep us safe on the roads, but they also help reduce our noise pollution. Tires do deteriorate with the major contributors being temperature fluctuations, UV rays, and time.
Vehicle tires are made from vulcanized rubber which has a shelf life
It's amazing to think about the incredible job vehicle tires do for us day in and day out. They tackle all kinds of terrain, from city streets to winding country roads. But did you know that your tires are made with a special type of rubber called “vulcanized” rubber? This helps it last a lot longer than regular rubber, giving you more miles for your money, but it still has a shelf life. In optimal conditions, tires can last for decades, but the average timeframe is typically under 10 years.
Tires can become dry and brittle from exposure to the elements.
Over time, Tires can become dry and brittle from exposure to the elements, making them less durable and more vulnerable to wear and tear. UV is one of the main culprits for decomposition. This can start to break down tires after a few years. Tires that experience large temperature fluctuations such as in Northern Europe, Canada, and the Northern States can crack prematurely as well. Other elements like dirt chemicals and road salt also hurt the life of your tires. I have seen tires start to crack in as little as 5 years from the manufacture date, but typically it is closer to the 110-year mark that most tires should be replaced because of cracking.
Good Tire Maintaince helps.
Properly inflated tires can help prevent cracking, from the wear and tear of the road surface. It is recommended that you regularly check your tire pressure and do a visual inspection of your tread and sidewall. Crack most commonly happen on your sidewall just below the tread line and in between the tread pattern in the grooves and channels. However, rest assured, with the average vehicle use (12,000 mi / 20,000 km) per year, you will likely wear out the tread and replace your tires before you will ever see a crack.