Help with tire crack

[Capy12]

I am concerned about this tire it's the only 1 that seems to have any cracks at all on it. Tire is now on the rear drivers side I'm not sure if that's just a cosmetic layer or if that is compromising the tire. That's on a 2012 ford escape that will be towing a decent size trailer next month. Any thoughts would be really appreciated

 

[CapriRacer]

There doesn't seem to be a bulge, so it is very likely only in the white rubber - cosmetic.

 

[Quattro Pete]

That looks more like a cut/slit due to impact with an external object, not a crack. How large is this cut? Hard to tell from the picture.


Is it still the original factory tire?

I'd be inclined to replace it ASAP.

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

Goodyear. Better get rid of all four of them now before it's a bad year.

In Virginia for state inspections, I believe they would fail this tire. Whether that alone makes it any more unsafe is up to your personal risk assessment and tolerance.

 

[supton]

I'd be inclined to replace--six going on seven year old tires. Probably safe, but, aren't they close enough to being worn out to justify replacement? I see Capri's point, but, I still see a fair amount of checking, makes me think these tires are close to the end anyhow.

 

[Capy12]

It's not the factory tires ended up having to change all 4 halfway through life because of screws in tire into the sidewall. It may be an impact damage the road to the camp isn't very well taken care of and has large hidden rocks under some water

 

[Capy12]

They are about 5 years old but do have a bunch of miles on them I checked tread on them yesterday it's down to 5/32 left

 

[carviewsonic]

Replace all four, it's not worth taking the risk for a few hundred bucks.

 

[bullwinkle]

I just replaced one of the RT43s on the xB due to a cut like this, and it was only 18 months old, with maybe 10K on it. Not worth the risk.

 

[SZR48207]

"Better safe than sorry. Just buy a brand new car!"

 

[JLTD]

Since it may be superficial impact damage, I'd mark the dimensions to see where it is right now, and if the crack got worse would replace.

and I thought the thread title was about Tire Rack or the fact that most of us like tire porn.

 

[Danno]

Thinking I see some white cord on the top crack. Looks like impact damage to me.
I would replace asap.

 

[Capy12]

I love the idea of the new car I'm actually looking didn't want to make that big of a purchase yet. That is cord showing through the crack and it's about inch and a half only in that 1 tire and there are other ones just like that but smaller in other areas of the tire. That damage is also facing the inside of the car not outside wouldn't have noticed it except for I rotated them yesterday.

 

[NormanBuntz]

I believe when you can see the inner fibers in the crack, it's not worth risking a tire failure.

 

[oldoak2000]

Originally Posted by Capy12

I am concerned about this tire it's the only 1 that seems to have any cracks at all on it. Tire is now on the rear drivers side I'm not sure if that's just a cosmetic layer or if that is compromising the tire. That's on a 2012 ford escape that will be towing a decent size trailer next month. Any thoughts would be really appreciated


well, when it blows-out at 70mph (due to added stress towing trailer) - MAKE SURE you have someone behind you post the video on YOUTUBE!!...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTufMmcqSwY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdsDowgh75k

 

[555]

I would at least put it on the rear passenger side so if it blows on an offramp you have less chance of bigger disaster. Then again when you tow you will be putting more weight and stress on it by being on the rear axle. The best answer is to replace.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Not sure why people are suggesting to put it on the rear. Loss of traction/control on the rear of the vehicle is typically more difficult to manage than on the front.

In any case, I would just get new tires.

 

[geeman789]

Most small cracks are from age and sun, and are a normal part of a tire getting older. Usually not a problem until they get deep. Bunch of posts lately about tire cracks ...

YOUR crack looks more like a CUT ... ! And that would make me worry about driving on it for very long, and definitely NOT tow anything !

 

[ARCOgraphite]

If your intent on running it - put in on the front DS.

Easy to loose control with a rear blowout.

I blew a front tire on my drag car at 110MPH
It took out the innner fenderwell.

Car actually handled better with one front and two rear tires on the ground

Had to keep on the gas to keep the rim off the return road.

'74 Vega with a 327 Vette motor. Don hardy kit. partial Fenderwell headers

 

[zeng]

Originally Posted by Capy12

I am concerned about this tire it's the only 1 that seems to have any cracks at all on it. Tire is now on the rear drivers side I'm not sure if that's just a cosmetic layer or if that is compromising the tire. That's on a 2012 ford escape that will be towing a decent size trailer next month. Any thoughts would be really appreciated

Cracks/cuts on the sidewall?
Moisture is your enemy, it will burst in time more so with load.
I would replace it asap.