Interesting crack in semi trailer tire sidewall

[K2K2]

I would go by whatever your state's commercial truck laws dictate. If that is not allowed then refuse to drive.

440 miles/day on a max load (or even overloaded!) on an aged China branded tire would be a no go for me.

 

[Auto tech]

Error on the side of caution and replace. Looks old anyway and possibly dated

 

[MParr]

May pop

 

[blain450]

What are the legal responsibilities for drivers over their equipment, in your state?
If it blows out and causes a fatal accident, are you held responsible, if you were aware of the condition and chose to drive anyway?
Or does all the responsibility go back on the owner, who was also aware of the tires condition?
In my mind, I think it's bugging you for a reason. The ball's in your court at this point.

 

[Opelman]

I saw a lot of cracks like that on the school bus fleet I worked for. Usually found exactly opposite of yours on the inboard side of the inside dual. Ours seemed to be caused by poor/ abusive driving habits which overheated the brakes regularly causing heat damage to the tire. Your defect shown is clearly meets out of service criteria. If something bad happens, YOU the driver will be held responsible as that is something clearly visible and required to be checked by the driver on a pre trip inspection. This came directly from our CHP motor carrier officer. The driver is ultimately responsible. Period. It is just a load of gravel, it isn't worth a life.

 

[Greenbeforeblue]

I don't know him well enough to say if he doesn't care, or if he truly thinks it is fine like that. He seems nice, and has 3 long term employees. I was approached when at Napa, if I could help a couple days a week while his driver was going to be gone.
We are supposed to have a winter storm this week, so hopefully the gravel season will be done.

It's easy to figure people out if you ignore what they say and look at what they do. Even if you don't "know them".

 

[Sj08]

Thanks for the replies, I agree with everything said. I don't need the job, and won't be driving it, I did one day last week, and while a very nice and easy run to make, it's not worth the risk.

I mostly shared the photo to show what someone feels comfortable with, and amazed that it survived looking like that for over 6 months.

 

[CapriRacer]

I mostly shared the photo to show what someone feels comfortable with, and amazed that it survived looking like that for over 6 months.

Added to my collection. Thanks

 

[Chris142]

May pop

And when it does a piece of it could fly through a windshield and kill someone.

It's one thing to run tires like that on a farm or construction site. It's not ok to take that on a public road and put others in danger

 

[Dr_Dr3i]

Definitely in need of replacement before it damages something or someone.

Also, with the cooler winter temps rolling in, I would anticipate that opening to increase as the rubber contracts.