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A Guide to Cracked Tyres: Everything You Need to Know
10/01/22
While some cracking between tyre treads can be a sign of wear and tear, larger cracks may be more significant and must be dealt with, especially
if your car’s MOT is due. Read on to learn more about cracked tyres and how to know if they’re a problem or not
What Causes Cracked Tyres?
The rubber on your tyres is held together by special polymer bonds, allowing the tyre to be flexible yet strong enough to hold the weight of a car. Cracked tyres occur when these bonds break down. This break down can be caused by:
1. Bad Weather
The polymers in your tyre rubber can expand and contract with extreme heat or cold, which can cause them to weaken over time – this can lead to the tyre cracking between the tread.
If you’ve been driving in heavy rain or snow for some time, water can end up in small, pre-existing cracks, making them worse as the liquid freezes and thaws with the changing temperatures. This can also happen when standing around for long periods in all types of weather.
2. Rubber Breaking Down
Because rubber is a naturally occurring material, it degrades over time. This can be why cracks form in your rubber tyres. With the longevity of natural rubber in mind, it’s a good idea to
replace your tyres roughly every five years, even if your tread is unworn.
3. UV Rays
UV rays are powerful and can speed up the degradation process, especially if you don’t have indoor parking.
4. Under or Over-Inflation
If there’s not enough air in the tyres, it can cause more friction on the road as more of its surface gets exposed to the tarmac. This can cause it to wear down more quickly and develop cracks. On the other hand, if a tyre has too much air, it can put unnecessary pressure on the tyre wall and cause it to bulge. There is a lower risk of getting cracked tyres if you regularly
check your tyre pressure.
Are Cracked Tyres Dangerous?
When tyres are visibly cracked, it means that the strength and structure have become compromised. If you choose to drive with cracked tyres, it may lead to a blowout and/or having to change a wheel on a busy motorway, both of which can be dangerous. Small cracks are usually less of a worry, but it’s important to monitor them to ensure that tyres are kept clean and dry so that rot cannot set in and make them worse.
Can You Fix Cracked Tyres?
The experts at ATS recommend that you don't try to fix cracked tyres yourself. This is because cracks permanently damage the structure of a tyre so, it can’t be restored. However, ensuring your tyres are inflated – as well as being kept dry and clean – can prolong their wear and lessen the likelihood of cracks developing. Parking in a garage or a shady place can reduce the chance of cracked tyres too.
Are cracked tyres illegal?
The condition of your tyres can potentially land you with some hefty fines and points on your license. This includes not having the
correct tread depthbut also includes the general condition of your tyres. If there are cuts in excess of 25mm or 10% of the section width of the tyre, or if there are lumps, bulges or tears caused by separation or partial failure of the tyre structure your tyres could be considered illegal.
Are Cracked Tyres an MOT Failure?
If your tyres don’t meet the legal limit for tread depth, or if they have any tears, bulges or cracks in the sidewall,
your vehicle will fail its MOT. So, it’s important to get your cracked tyres replaced at the first sign of any damage.
Think you might have cracked tyres? Why not come and get them checked by the experts at
your nearest ATS Euromaster.
When to replace cracked tyres?
If you see cracks in your tyres you should generally get them replaced. Once cracks start to appear the structural integrity of the tyre is compromised which can lead to a tyre blowout. If this happens when you're driving and speed this can be extremely dangerous.
If you continue to use your tyres it's likely the condition and cracks will only get worse over time. If you are unsure if your tyres need replacing book in for a free vehicle health check and our technicians will be able to review the condition of your tyres and advise on the best course of action.
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