Cracks on tyre

[QTom]

Going on a trip in a few days, checking tyres etc today and I noticed that one of them has some noticable cracks on it. I know this isn't that unusual on older tyres, and cars which aren't used that much (been working from home since the pandemic so usage is low). The date code 3816 so it's getting on a bit and I will definitely replace it before too long.

This is the rear driver side tyre, fronts are much newer, and actually the other rear tyre is newer too so all the others are fine. The car is a 17 plate so this is presumably an original tyre.

Basically I know they are due replacement soon, but should I be concerned about this level of cracking? The tread is close but not gone quite yet so I'd prefer to get a few more months out of them.

 

[martin j.]

Nah, won’t worry me this year, maybe new rubber for the summer?

 

[Jay5959]

Must be a quirk of continentals tyres. My wife has a 2016 tyre on the rear (original with the car) that’s doing the same. It’s had a service not long ago and was advised to change it before mot. Won’t be replacing with continentals!

 

[Torque69]

Had similar on a non Seat. Changed a pair as better safe than sorry, especially carrying my twin toddlers a lot, didn't have Conti's since, although had a Michelin delaminate but was otherwise very healthy which was unusual.

 

[QTom]

Yeah I will be replacing with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asym 5 or PS4s before too long, but they have a little life left yet, probably a few months at least.

 

[RUM4MO]

My wife's August 2015 has Contis and they are still "like new" with regards the outer surface of all the rubber, but to add substance to that, this car like my one, tend to get garaged as soon as they return to the driveway and we both have and use winter wheels/tyres half the year. I'll probably get Michelins when these Conti summer tyres wear out.

My 2011 S4 has winter tyres that are in their 10th year and still looking "like new" though I'd think that I'll be replacing them in May possibly when winter tyre prices are usually at their lowest, and get the wheels re-powder coated.

One thing that I've noticed when checking tyre prices online, many online suppliers, well at least the ones that provide the best prices, give one price and a comment "for an extra £7.98 per tyre, we will supply tyres produced this year" - I bought my 2011 S4 used in July 2013, I bought the Michelin Pilot Alpins from Costco when "this seasons" stock of tyres became available from Michelin in early October 2013, their date code is 4511! It did not bother me much at the time as I had just bought a slightly used S4, but unfortunately I have ended up massively underusing that car, so the tyres will get binned next year just because of their age, maybe next time round I'll aim to buy new winter tyres that get great scores for everything except mileage! I've found that in the past, ie that Michelin Alpins do tend to last for ever even when kept on the car for 6 months, I've only ever bought 2 sets in the past and both sets outlived the car in our ownership - but nothing like the lack of wear on these Michelin Pilot Alpins!

 

[Rowan83]

Mine have cracks in them, only done 6k miles but are over 2 years old.

I did contact Continental with photos and they said it was cosmetic.

 

[KXL]

I had them on my 18 month year old Bridgestones Potenza RE050As on my Ibiza they were 215/40 R17s. It's nothing to worry about. Although my subsequent car I had for 27 months, and no cracks at all, they were 205/55 R16s Michelin Primacy 4s.

 

[RUM4MO]

Bridgestone etc should really have a solution for this issue, it only ever seems to affect Bridgestone and maybe a few related/owned companies, this should not ever be called "normal!" that is a cop out to avoid claims for cash being made on them.

 

[Torque69]

Bridgestone etc should really have a solution for this issue, it only ever seems to affect Bridgestone and maybe a few related/owned companies, this should not ever be called "normal!" that is a cop out to avoid claims for cash being made on them.

Once you've had a blow out at speed you look at your tyres in a whole new light, then add responsibility to your family/passengers/other road users.
The only thing touching the road is the little contact patches that either keep us on it or off it.

 

[SuperV8]

It's called tyre dry rot

UV and Ozone degrade rubber. It's not just one manufacture - I bet if you google 'tyre dry rot xxx' (insert manufacture) you will find examples of all brands!

How to Help Prevent Tire Dry Rot | Goodyear Tires

Tires evolve over time and may at times begin to show visible cracks in the sidewall. Learn why dry rot occurs and ways to help extend the life of your tires.

www.goodyear.com

Yesterday as it happens I was taking off/cleaning and re-seating my other car's (Mitsubishi Colt) winter wheels and noticed heavy cracking on the corners. Basically scrap tyres now - which is a pity as there is still lots of tread left - but they are 7 years old, 2 years past Nokian's 5 year warranty.

The problem is I could only see how deep the cracks were (down to the cords) when the tyre was deflated and off the rim. When they were inflated on the rims it didn't look too bad.

 

[Seriously?]

It's called tyre dry rot

UV and Ozone degrade rubber. It's not just one manufacture - I bet if you google 'tyre dry rot xxx' (insert manufacture) you will find examples of all brands!

How to Help Prevent Tire Dry Rot | Goodyear Tires

Tires evolve over time and may at times begin to show visible cracks in the sidewall. Learn why dry rot occurs and ways to help extend the life of your tires.

www.goodyear.com

Yesterday as it happens I was taking off/cleaning and re-seating my other car's (Mitsubishi Colt) winter wheels and noticed heavy cracking on the corners. Basically scrap tyres now - which is a pity as there is still lots of tread left - but they are 7 years old, 2 years past Nokian's 5 year warranty.

The problem is I could only see how deep the cracks were (down to the cords) when the tyre was deflated and off the rim. When they were inflated on the rims it didn't look too bad.

Yep, deffo not just Bridgestone; the factory fit Hankooks on our 18 plate Leon are showing some cracking albeit very minor. The car lives outside and I assume it a weathering problem as SuperV8 states.

 

[280jl]

I've seen a lot of tread cracking on continental tyres and Michelin aswell actually in the trade... its nothing to be worried about initially, as in replace them that instant, but would look to replace as and when you can, a tyre with cracking in the tread would still pass an mot along as there is no serious weakness, visible cords or bulges