Spencer's Tire Shop

If you have seen cracks on the sidewalls or between the treads of your tires, it may be dry-rot and that’s not good.

When is it time to replace cracked tires? Check out this handy chart from Michelin —

Just like us tires weather and age, their rubber becomes brittle, breaking down and creating cracks in the sidewall, tread, and around the rim.

Dry-rot is also known as weather cracking, and ozone cracking.

Tire manufacturer warranties will cover tire cracking and dry rot, as well as other defects, but most warranties expire after 6 years.

Most tires will wear out before cracking becomes a warrantable condition.

That’s because antiozonant, the rubber additive manufacturers use to resist tire cracking and tire-blooming too, is only released as the tire is being used, going through its normal heating and cooling cycles. That’s why RV, trailer, and classic car tires don’t get used that much, so cracking and dry-rot appear faster. 

There is no way to fix dry-rotted and cracked tires, but you can slow down the process by using a tire cleaner and protectant.

I use Superior Products Dark Fury to clean wheels at the shop, but for occasional use, I recommend Chemical Guys Diablo Wheel Gel – Used with a soft brush, both of these are awesome at dissolving brake dust without hurting the wheel finish.

And to keep your wheels looking good after cleaning, you can use a non-solvent protectant Wizards Tire and Vinyl Shine.

Check out examples of dry-rot in tires –  If you’re concerned about your tires, e-mail me some pictures and I’ll give you my honest opinion. 

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Check out some more of my favorite wheel cleaning products on Amazon – (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases).