Because tires are important parts of your vehicle, it’s best to keep them in good shape. That way, you can use them for a very long time. One of the ways you can take care of your tires is by taking your time to learn about tire dry rot.
What Is Dry Rot?
Dry rot, also known as tire sidewall cracking, is the breakdown of the tire rubber’s composition. The damage is visible in the tire’s tread and sidewall. The issue is caused by several factors like low tire pressure, prolonged exposure to UV light, storing your tires in high temperatures, and many more.
The most common cause of dry rot, however, is not using your car (and your tires) for an extended period of time. Cars are meant to be driven around places. If you don’t use your cars as often as they should, it makes the resin in the tires dry out.
If dry rot develops in your tire, it makes it weaker and not function properly as intended. It can cause your tires to lose air pressure more rapidly. The cracks can also cause a sudden blowout, increasing your chance of getting into a car accident.
To spot dry rot, examine your tire. Should you notice some cracks on the tread and sidewall, you have the problem. These cracks form during the advanced stages of dry rot. The color of the tires would also be noticeably faded. This fading can appear before or during the formation of the cracks.
What To Do Once Dry Rot Happens?
Once dry rot happens to your tires, it’s quite dangerous to drive on them. Once deterioration becomes noticeable on the tires, the only thing left to do is to replace them immediately. However, if you noticed dry rot in its early stages, sometimes, it can still be treated with water-based restoratives. You can also contact your local mechanic shop for a tire repair.
Even before dry rot happens, there are ways to prevent them. Keep your tires properly inflated and have them inspected from time to time by a tire expert or mechanic. That way, you’ll be able to spot any damage to your tires. If you’re going to store your car for extended periods, keep it in a garage and away from direct sunlight.
Lastly, if you’re switching from winter to summer tires or vice versa, it’s a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s recommended storage guidelines. Mount the tires that you’re not going to use on hooks to keep them off the ground. This can help extend their lifespan.
If you’re looking for proper tire maintenance and service, look no further than Graham Tire. For more than 60 years, we have been known to be the go-to place for tires in the Midwest. We carry a wide range of quality tire lines so you’ll have options to choose from for your next tire. Call us and schedule an appointment.
