You know how important it is to replace your tires if they are too worn out to provide sufficient traction. Your tires may become worn out even before they go bald. Dry rot is one of the main reasons your tires can wear prematurely.
What is Tire Dry Rot?
Tire dry rot, unlike dry rot which can affect the wood in your house, isn’t caused by organic growth and cannot spread from one tire or another. Dry rot refers to a type of tire decay that occurs when a tire is old or is frequently exposed to hazardous substances and conditions. In the next section, we’ll talk about what this type decomposition looks like.
Dry rot in tires is not something you can do immediately. A professional can use a tire sealant to address minor dry rot.
Tires with dry rot advanced must be replaced. Tires with dry rot allow air to escape from the tire making it difficult, if not impossible, to maintain the proper tire pressure. Unnatural rubber expansion can cause dry rot, which in turn can lead to the tire being ripped apart. Tires that have dry rot are more likely to develop holes, leaks, or blow outs. Extreme cases may result in the tread separating from the rest.
What does Dry Rot look like?
Sidewall cracking is another name for tire dry rot. Dry rot, as the name suggests, is characterized primarily by cracks in tire rubber. You may see the following signs if one or more tires have developed dry rot:
- Brittleness. Tires are damaged by dry rot. You may notice a decrease in the strength and appearance of your tires as essential oils leak from them. You might even see small pieces of rubber separating from your tire.
- Cracks in the tread. Advanced dry rot may cause cracks around the tire tread’s edges. Even if the tread is still adequate in depth, cracks can impact your car’s handling.
- Sidewall cracks. You may notice cracks in the tire’s sidewall, even in cases of minor dry rot. These cracks can be found in a small area or spread to large areas of your hubcap.
- Faded colour. Dry rot may cause your tire to appear grayer than black. Cracking and fading may occur simultaneously or before cracking.
At least once per year, inspect your tires for dry rot. You should inspect your tires in spring or fall, as dry rot can develop from winter and summer conditions.
Tire and wheel professionals can evaluate your tires if you see dry rot.
What Causes Dry Rot?
Dry rot can’t be fixed so it is important to reduce the risk of your tires cracking. To prevent dry rot, you should invest in high-quality new tires every time you replace your older tires. These tires are less likely than older tires to get dry rot.
Pay attention to what substances and conditions are being used to protect your tires. Avoid these:
- Chemicals that are corrosive or abrasive, such as motor oil and pool treatment chemicals, and industrial cleaning products
- Tires exposed to UV rays from direct or excessive sunlight
- Extremely low temperatures
- High temperatures
- For long periods, you can’t use it.
- Electric equipment can produce ozone
- Inflation is a problem, especially if the car is regularly driven.
Keep your tires in good condition by parking your car out of direct sunlight and in areas with moderate temperatures. Keep chemical solutions, heaters and other electrical equipment out of your vehicle if you park it in a garage.
Pay attention to the weather if you park outside. To minimize temperature fluctuations, you may need to cover your entire vehicle or use tire covers.
You should park your car in underground or parking garages as much as you can while on the road.
Follow these guidelines for cars that are not driven often, such as RVs, seasonal vehicles, or antique cars.
This information will help you ensure that your tires are capable of handling whatever road you may be taking.
Are your tires rotten from dry rot? Evans Tire & Service Centers has the perfect tires for your vehicle.