Do I have dry rot on my '11 tires already?

[sginut]

I was looking at the tires of my '11 explorer the other day and noticed cracks forming on all 4 tires at the sidewall/tread union covering nearly 80% of the circumference.

Is this dry rot or something else?

[colintrax]

Looks like you're cornering a lil fast! Good job, glad to see someone else wearing the outsides

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by sginut

I was looking at the tires of my '11 explorer the other day and noticed cracks forming on all 4 tires at the sidewall/tread union covering nearly 80% of the circumference.

Is this dry rot or something else?

When was the last time you had your wheel alignment checked?
I also have a 2011 with only 6500 miles on it and I had to have an alignment done a few months ago. My 3 previous Highlanders all had to have alignments done within 2 years of getting them.

Peter

[colintrax]

^ you can tell that isn't the alignment. Just simply pushing the sides of the tires down while whipping around turns

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by colintrax

^ you can tell that isn't the alignment. Just simply pushing the sides of the tires down while whipping around turns

I would agree if it was a bias ply tire. They tend to fold under on hard turns wheras a radial will tend to keep most of the tread in contact with the road. A tire that isn't aligned properly could easil;y wear down or scuff the edge of a tire. But hey, I'm no expert. It still would not hurt to have the alignment checked especially since the OP hasn't responded about whether or not he is taking turns rather fast.

Peter

[colintrax]

Good point, but it definitely doesn't look like an alignment issue to me. Maybe just wacking alot of curbs

[davlee88]

those are call Ozone crack. I had them warranty replaced before on my wife's car. The crack occured on the sidewall near the rim.

The car had 6000 miles when it occured.

Here's what i did.

1. I called michelin and told them about the issue and got a claim number
2. Went to michelin authorize dealer (discount tire) for confirmation and validation
3. michelin prorated me back the cost of the tires at 90%. Because the tire is a 65k mile tire and I drove 6k of it.
4. Got a new set of michelin. paid 10% + mounting and balance.

Well, you can also start talking about firestone and explorer. They might think twice. You should check your Hankook warranty booklet.

[spitfisher]

I have not had an alignment on any vehicle in decades.......and During that time I have hundreds of thousands of miles

That picture above is driving way to fast into corners......

[koda2000]

no. that's not dry rot.

[Bill #4 Explorer]

It's not dry rot.
It's not ozone crack.
It's not an alignment issue.

It is normal.
I have it, too.
I corner very hard at times.
My tires have over 52,000 miles, and are doing great!

[sginut]

Driving in DC traffic I do tend to have to whip around to avoid getting run over. Thanks for all the feedback. Haven't done an alignment on the car since purchasing it but I'm sure it could use one.

As long as it doesn't look like an issue, I'll just keep an eye on the cracks to make sure it doesn't get worse.

[Bill #4 Explorer]

Maybe check your tire pressures.

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by sginut

Driving in DC traffic I do tend to have to whip around to avoid getting run over. Thanks for all the feedback. Haven't done an alignment on the car since purchasing it but I'm sure it could use one.

As long as it doesn't look like an issue, I'll just keep an eye on the cracks to make sure it doesn't get worse.

Since you say you do tend to corner hard, that same wear should also show up on your other front tire. Does it?

Peter

[jrmexplorer]

Originally Posted by sginut

Driving in DC traffic I do tend to have to whip around to avoid getting run over. Thanks for all the feedback. Haven't done an alignment on the car since purchasing it but I'm sure it could use one.

As long as it doesn't look like an issue, I'll just keep an eye on the cracks to make sure it doesn't get worse.

I would probably say to take it into the dealer and just make sure it's not an issue.

[Bill #4 Explorer]

Originally Posted by sginut

I was looking at the tires of my '11 explorer the other day and noticed cracks forming on all 4 tires at the sidewall/tread union covering nearly 80% of the circumference.

Is this dry rot or something else?

Originally Posted by peterk9

Since you say you do tend to corner hard, that same wear should also show up on your other front tire. Does it?

Peter

He says in post #1 that it is on all 4 corners. Again, this is normal, and not any issue.

The OP needs to be dilligent with checking tires pressures (35 PSI) and tire rotations (every 7-10,000 miles).

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by Bill #4 Explorer

He says in post #1 that it is on all 4 corners. Again, this is normal, and not any issue.

The OP needs to be dilligent with checking tires pressures (35 PSI) and tire rotations (every 7-10,000 miles).

Oops, you're right. I guess I missed that Bill. Thanks for the reminder.

Peter

[sginut]

Just checked and pressure was down to 30-32 PSI in all the tires. Checking once a month doesn't appear to be often enough.

[colintrax]

As temps drop outside so will the tire pressure. Also make sure the tires are cold when you check.
Regardless, that wear has nothing to do with tire pressure.

[182RG]

Originally Posted by jrmexplorer

I would probably say to take it into the dealer and just make sure it's not an issue.

The dealer isn't going to care about tires or alignment on an '11....and shouldn't.

[Bill #4 Explorer]

Originally Posted by colintrax

1)As temps drop outside so will the tire pressure.

2) Also make sure the tires are cold when you check.


3) Regardless, that wear has nothing to do with tire pressure.

Colintrax, I agree with you on points 1 and 2. Further, a 10 degree temp difference effects tire pressure (assumes dry air) by about 1 PSI.

As for #3, I disagree. The combination of lower than ideal tire pressures, combined with an aggressive driving style (hard corning and tail braking) will allow that tire shoulder to roll over more, and create that wear pattern.

This is further enhanced by the Explorer's +6,000 pounds riding on a low-profile 20" tire.

The tires never really get that hot either. For example with some of my sports cars, this wear is evident, but does not exhibite the "scaled" look. It's more "polished" and rounded because the tires can get very hot & sticky.....plus they corner better than an Explorer (thank God!).