Thin cracks in sidewalls.....?

[F15E_WSO]

My wife drives on some Michelin's that are about 4 yrs old. There are some very thin hairline cracks and blemishes in the sidewalls. Some of the cracks or deterioration is linked to little bumps and raises that are the lettering, pattern, text, crosshatching on the sidewalls. I hesitate to use the term dry-rot here but I guess it could be UV light and road chemicals going after the rubber. Thing is the tread could go another year easy so not sure if I should shop for new tires.

There are NO bumps, bulges, odd shape in the sidewalls.

Thoughts on if this is cosmetic and superficial only? I'd add a picture but I couldn't get my camera to capture the cracks....they are like spiderweb thin.

 

[Elessar65]

They should be alright for now, but keep an eye on them. I worked at a tire shop for years, and Michelins tend to do that. They are great tires (a little pricey though) and they usually last long enough for this to happen before the tread is gone. Generally speaking, most tires are designed for a life of about 3-4 years. This isn't to say that after 3 years they will self destruct, but UV exposure, chemicals on the road, things like that start to break them down. As long as the cracks don't get too wide or deep, or rubber starts to kind of flake off if you pick at it a little, you should be ok for a while longer.

Obviously I can't look at the tires in person, so use your best judgement. If you are in doubt go to a good, reputable, tire shop and ask. Sure, they'd love to sell you a set of tires, but in my experience a good shop will give you good advice. Not just try and sell you tires.

 

[F15E_WSO]

They should be alright for now, but keep an eye on them. I worked at a tire shop for years, and Michelins tend to do that. They are great tires (a little pricey though) and they usually last long enough for this to happen before the tread is gone. Generally speaking, most tires are designed for a life of about 3-4 years. This isn't to say that after 3 years they will self destruct, but UV exposure, chemicals on the road, things like that start to break them down. As long as the cracks don't get too wide or deep, or rubber starts to kind of flake off if you pick at it a little, you should be ok for a while longer.

Obviously I can't look at the tires in person, so use your best judgement. If you are in doubt go to a good, reputable, tire shop and ask. Sure, they'd love to sell you a set of tires, but in my experience a good shop will give you good advice. Not just try and sell you tires.

Elessar65,
good words and thanks for your insight and experience. That was my gut feel and felt I could get one more year out of the tires. She only has 39K and I've gotten more from Michelins with good rotation and care.

Too many shops like to look at the odometer and sell you what they THINK you need.....

again thanks

 

[enyaw]

My wife drives on some Michelin's that are about 4 yrs old. There are some very thin hairline cracks and blemishes in the sidewalls. Some of the cracks or deterioration is linked to little bumps and raises that are the lettering, pattern, text, crosshatching on the sidewalls. I hesitate to use the term dry-rot here but I guess it could be UV light and road chemicals going after the rubber. Thing is the tread could go another year easy so not sure if I should shop for new tires.

There are NO bumps, bulges, odd shape in the sidewalls.

Thoughts on if this is cosmetic and superficial only? I'd add a picture but I couldn't get my camera to capture the cracks....they are like spiderweb thin.

Try taking them to shop that sells them and try to get them to replace them under warrenty, or replacement because of the dry rot , What could it hurt. I did mine and they replaced all 4 of mine for less than $200, also did a set of Goodyears the same way.

 

[ncranchero]

What is the date code on the tire/tires? YOU may have only had them 3-4 years but the code will tell the true age.

Some tires go unsold for long periods of time. ALWAYS check date codes when purchasing new tires!

This tire for example was manufactured the 36th week of 2007.

 

[Paraphoe]

Be careful. The advice in this thread is good. I had some old tires on my Civic that were cracking and slightly dry rotting. It was less than a year and one of them exploded on 95. Glad it was a rear and not a front.

 

[F15E_WSO]

Be careful. The advice in this thread is good. I had some old tires on my Civic that were cracking and slightly dry rotting. It was less than a year and one of them exploded on 95. Glad it was a rear and not a front.

Yep, thanks I am trying to balance this with safety and a ding to my pocketbook. Like I said they are VERY thin and superficial and there are no anomalies in the side wall like a bump or bulge.

Also thanks to the others about a warranty and pro-rated replacement regarding the manufacture dates.

Cheers

 

[jenren81]

the same thing is starting to happen on my tires too, and starting to show between the tread as well. I put them on in like Feb 2008, BFG AT's... there is still some tread left but living at this altitude I think the sun has worked it's magic on them.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Ya the sun will definetly do a number on tires especially if you live in a high dry climate where the sun beats on them everyday. If their just small cracks in the treads than you should be ok for a little while longer, keep an eye on the air pressure especially on extreme hot days like now and if your driving at higher speeds for prolonged periods of time.

Keep them wet when possible and tire shine/ protectant isn't just to make the tires nice and shiny.

 

[fifthranger]

I have heard that tires shouldn't be used for more than six or seven years because they can suddenly wear out and become dangerous. I thought this had to do with wear and tear and being exposed to nature's elements, such as sun, snow, bad roads, etc., but what difference does it make if for example the tire stayed at a retailer for a year before I got it? Isn't the tire safer if it hasn't been mounted?

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Not neccessarily, If you have the origanl spare tire under the bed more then likely it'll have dry rot in it. The compounds in the rubber breakdown after so long.