Is this dry rot concerning?
- Thread starter EA82
- Start date
It seems inconsequential when you remember how thick the tire carcass is, but the Michelins on my Canyon looked like this (but with way more tread depth) before our road trip to Houston last summer, so I got rid of them. I'd say if replacing doesn't put you in a financial bind, say bye-bye.
I would PM member CapriRacer, he is an expert.
I replaced the original tires on my Buick with only 35k kms (22k miles) on them. They looked very similar to your tires, but were 13 years old. Their appearance was starting to concern me, especially for highway driving.
Your tires would age much quicker in Florida than mine did here in Alberta.
Your tires would age much quicker in Florida than mine did here in Alberta.
Seems normal for based on the age of the tire. I guess you park outside?
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
As @Trav noted, @CapriRacer is the tire expert on here, he can give you his opinion.
Would slathering the tire with carbon black or something help? Sorta like fluid film for tires?
IIRC I had less or similar, and the tire shop recommended replacing. Mine were only 2 years old though (but a bit more miles).
I doubt they are "bad" but they would be on to-do list to replace in a year or so. At 4.5 years old they aren't new anymore, they do get harder with age, and if you drive in any sort of spirited manner, it might just be time.
I doubt they are "bad" but they would be on to-do list to replace in a year or so. At 4.5 years old they aren't new anymore, they do get harder with age, and if you drive in any sort of spirited manner, it might just be time.
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
I’d just plan on replacing next winter, wait for Veteran’s Day sale or something.
Yes out in the driveway, there's quite a bit of sun exposure.
You definitely have dry rot. I am a little confused about how this would happen on a very modern tire in the time frame specified, and also not understanding why the tread surfaces look like they are from junkyard tires. There is definitely a tendency to explain away dry rot when the tires seem structurally intact, but it's a mistake. I would replace the tires immediately, putting safety first, especially when you plan to replace them anyway. A few other posters have mentioned a tire expert and I'd like to hear that person's thoughts, too. It's probably the case that these tires would have done better if more mileage had been driven.
Terrible advice.
1. The tires are not worn, but they are already old. Driving until worn will take you well past the five year mark... bad.
2. The tires are dry rotted
3. That someone else has risked driving on worn tires, lived to tell the tale, does not prove that you should. It is a logical fallacy, or it is someone saying "man up."
First, thanks all for the vote of confidence.
Now to the task at hand.
After all these years, I can't get out of the habit of looking at what information is available: 4.5 years, 35K miles = less than 8,000 per year = not a lot. Florida! No cracks on the tread surface, cracks in the groove and on the off shoulder area, but none on the sidewall.
The cracks aren't terrible and about what should be expected for an area of the country where I claim the time to remove tires is 6 years. In other words, right on track.
Slather something on the tire? That might help. What? Anything with an antioxidant. Nothing with petroleum distillates.
Now to the task at hand.
After all these years, I can't get out of the habit of looking at what information is available: 4.5 years, 35K miles = less than 8,000 per year = not a lot. Florida! No cracks on the tread surface, cracks in the groove and on the off shoulder area, but none on the sidewall.
The cracks aren't terrible and about what should be expected for an area of the country where I claim the time to remove tires is 6 years. In other words, right on track.
Slather something on the tire? That might help. What? Anything with an antioxidant. Nothing with petroleum distillates.
I thin alignment is more of an issue. Or is that design?
That is not a problem and you are good to go. The external rubber is not the structural part of the tire. Aircraft tires are exposed to plenty of sun and weather. Similar weathering is common. Here is what Goodyear says:
Ozone or Weather Checking/Cracking
Random pattern of shallow sidewall cracks usually caused
by ozone deterioration, prolonged exposure to weather, or
improper storage.
Action: Remove from service if fabric is visible.
Ozone or Weather Checking/Cracking
Random pattern of shallow sidewall cracks usually caused
by ozone deterioration, prolonged exposure to weather, or
improper storage.
Action: Remove from service if fabric is visible.
Alignment is good, tires are wearing evenly
