Can You Drive On Cracked Tires? 

Tires are highly engineered integral and essential parts of a vehicle, but they are predisposed to a range of risks that can jeopardize the effectiveness of your vehicle.

A cracked tire is a common issue that car owners deal with, and you may want to know, can you drive on cracked tires? 

It is almost impossible to prevent the occurrence of cracks in tires, and all car owners must be prepared to deal with the cracks. Even on the most sturdy and quality tires and less driving sessions, it is important to know that the tires support the weight of your car and can still get cracks. 

Can you drive on cracked tires?

The decision to drive on cracked tires or not largely depends on the extent of the crack. For a less severe crack, you can drive for about 50 miles before you atop to rectify the problem.

However, severe cracks should be fixed immediately. Driving on cracked tires slowly expands the cracks as you drive; if the pressure is too high, the tire can eventually burst out.

All in all, it is safer to avoid driving on cracked tires. This can easily lead to damage to the whole tire of the car.

In the event of extreme tire cracks, driving on such can lead to accidents that can lead to fires, burning your car, or crushing it completely. In worse scenarios, an accident from a simple crack can cause death.

It is quite natural for tires to wear out, and cracks become a common issue that all car owners must prepare to deal with. In most cases, a replacement of the tire becomes the best solution. You can also reduce the risks of tire cracks by being careful with the type of road you drive on.

Unfortunately, you cannot prevent the occurrence of cracks on your vehicle tires, but thankfully, you can reduce the risk of having cracked tires. 

Keeping tires in a safe place, giving them adequate care, and offering proper maintenance are among the best ways to lower the possibility of cracks in your car tires. It is also key to note that cracks will naturally form due to aging.

Apparently, aging is the common cause of tire cracks, even though poor maintenance and storage also lead to the formation of extreme cracks.

Also Read: Are Cracked Tires Safe [Don’t Skimp on SAFETY]

What Happens When Tires Crack

Cracks will develop naturally. There is literally nothing you can do to stop continued cracking once the cracks start forming. It is like waiting for the crack to proceed and the whole tire to be termed useless on your vehicle. (maybe it can be useful for other purposes, but not wheeling your car.)

It is just a matter of time before the cracks reach the end of the expected lifespan. At this point, you need to make a replacement. Otherwise, you may not be able to use the car.

Regularly checking the tire’s state and frequently taking your car for professional service will help you easily identify cracks and quantify the severity. Afterward, you can be in a better position to know when the tire should be replaced.

When a small crack occurs in the tire, it will continue to grow, and eventually, you will have many cracks originating from the initial crack. The flexibility of the rubber deteriorates, and the tire gets a great effect from wear and tear.

If not taken care of, the cracked tires will eventually split. You will now have a tire with open sidewalls, which clearly implies that the tire has no use on your vehicle.

Hairline Cracks Between Tire Treads

Hairline cracks between treads are a common tire problem that almost every rider has experienced. This is common for most tires whose structure composition was not appropriate.

Professionals say that hairline cracks on treads are majorly caused by the manufacturer’s negligence of structural integrity. With such a scenario, it is advisable to call in a professional and have your tires inspected. If the tire is new, you can be guided to seek compensation from the manufacturing company.

Driving on tires with cracks on the treads also compromises the effective functionality of the treads. When you buy a new tire, check for the presence of hairline on the treads and avoid purchasing tires with these errors. Though it may seem simple, it can cost you a dime in the near future.

Is A Little Crack On The Tire Okay

It is generally okay to have cracks on the tires. The little cracks are okay and indicate that the tire is aging and will need replacement soon. 

You should only get concerned when the small cracks are spread all over the tire; they are too deep or have started to widen. Otherwise, one or a few little cracks may not have such a significant impact on the tire.

However, note that the little cracks will expand as you continue driving. These small cracks will also worsen if you expose the tire to harsh conditions and deny it proper maintenance.

Generally, if you are too concerned with the small crack on your tire, you should call in an expert to advise you appropriately. The expert will likely let you know if you can drive on a cracked wheel by checking the extent of the crack.

Conclusion

A crack on the tire body or its treads is quite common. While most cracks are caused by aging, others are due to exposition to harsh storage and working environments. Ideally, if you use a rough dirt road, your vehicle tires will develop cracks more easily than if you could use a well-maintained tarmac road.

Inspecting tires regularly will help you know when the cracks are extreme and help you decide if you can drive with the cracked tires. If you notice a relatively small crack, you can drive for about 50 miles or less and stop by to replace the cracked tire.

James Brown

I am passionate about all things automotive and have a deep understanding of the topic. As a mechanic, I use my free time to share knowledge of everyday challenges that any car owner can experience – helping you make informed decisions about tires.