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How To Spot and Reduce Tire Dry Rot

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.

Tips on Doing a Tire Check

Having healthy tires gives you maximum safety on the road while driving. Doing a thorough tire check lets you be more aware of your tires’ current status and detect any present issues. You may be wondering how to do this properly. Here are a few things that can help when doing a tire inspection.

Look for Signs of Wear and Tear

An excellent way to know if your tires are still in good condition is to look for any signs of wear and tear. If you see that your tires have irregular tire wear and poor sidewall condition, then it’s time for you to buy a new set.

Visually inspect the tires and gently rub your hand over the tread. If you notice any irregularities in the pattern, they indicate uneven tire wear. You can also try wetting the tire and driving over a clean, smooth area. The tire prints left behind can show you the current status of your tires.

Another sign is the occurrence of vibrations while you’re driving. This means that your tires are already uneven, and they are in old and deformed condition.

Evaluate Your Tires’ Tread

Healthy tires have enough tread depth to ensure traction, especially if it’s rainy. Driving on bald tires on wet surfaces results in a dangerous condition known as hydroplaning. Hydroplaning happens when your tires lose their grip on the road because water is not channeled properly, making you slip and slide.

A great way to inspect your tread is by doing the coin test. Insert a small coin, like a quarter, upside down inside the tread. If you can see the top of George Washington’s head, that means that your tires are already worn out.

Inspect Your Tire Pressure

Another thing you should look out for is your tires’ air pressure. Tires generally lose about 1psi (pounds per square inch) every month. That means if you don’t look after them, you can end up with a flat tire.

Your car has a tire pressure monitoring system that warns you if your tire pressure is already too low. Use a tire pressure gauge to check if your tires are properly inflated.

Rotate Your Tires

It is generally recommended to have your tires rotated. Rotating them evens out the wear and tear and can even extend their life. It would be best if you did this every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. If you’re unsure, consult the owner’s manual or have your tires checked by a tire specialist.

Tire health is an important aspect to be mindful of when keeping your car in good condition. Contact Graham Tire today for car maintenance and additional tire services.

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