Side Wall Cracking

[Phishin]

So, I have an appointment today to get some new tires on my old truck.

The tires currently on it are BF Goodrich Wrangler's. The front's are shot. The rears have good tread left, but on the side wall, there is a single crack that is present about 50% around the tire...on each tire. Right in the middle of the side wall too....like it was a seam or something. It's a very smooth, straght crack that goes around the tire....right in the middle of the side wall.

Should I replace the tires, or go ahead and try to get the last 15k miles out of the rears?

 

[SatinSilver]

I'd replace them, cheap insurance. Plus you can get deals by purchasing a set esp on DTD.

 

[Lolvoguy]

put em on the rear and light 'em up

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: Lolvoguy
put em on the rear and light 'em up

youtube it for us

 

[Shannow]

From one of the best movies around

http://www.movieweb.com/movie/the-worlds-fastest-indian/high-speed-tires

(a little later in the movie, he fills in the cracks with boot polish)

 

[CapriRacer]

Please don't take this wrong, - BUT -

Originally Posted By: Phishin
........The tires currently on it are BF Goodrich Wrangler's......


No, they aren't. They are either BFG's or they are Goodyear Wrangler's.

Originally Posted By: Phishin
....... The front's are shot. The rears have good tread left, but on the side wall, there is a single crack that is present about 50% around the tire...on each tire. Right in the middle of the side wall too....like it was a seam or something. It's a very smooth, straight crack that goes around the tire....right in the middle of the side wall.

Should I replace the tires, or go ahead and try to get the last 15k miles out of the rears?


A photo would really help here. Sometimes there are junctions in that area, but sometimes it is just the part of the sidewall that flexes the most.

Should you replace them?

Well, cracking isn't good and as a general rule, cracks is an indicator for replacement. But that is a matter of degree and kind. Some kinds of cracks would prompt an immediate removal, while others aren't as serious and would warrant monitoring.

How old are the tires? You're in Indiana, so if they are older than 8 years, it might be a good idea to replace them solely based on the age.

 

[KitaCam]

Originally Posted By: CapriRacer


How old are the tires? You're in Indiana, so if they are older than 8 years, it might be a good idea to replace them solely based on the age.


I would agree...especially in climates of extreme temperature changes...I think THAT would be as detrimental to the rubber chemistry as the constant road heat here in Florida....