Tire Dry Rot, aka Sidewall Weathering, is visible cracking in a tire’s tread or sidewall caused when a tire’s rubber compounds break down. This visible cracking could be caused by a variety of factors, including but not limited to: too much exposure to sunlight, low tire inflation, or simply not using the tires for extended periods of time. Show If you suspect possible cracking in your tires, or see visible signs of sidewall weathering occurring, schedule an appointment with a Goodyear retailer for a tire evaluation. Goodyear is here to help make sure you, and your vehicle, are driving on properly maintained tires. What Causes Tires to Dry Rot?
The sidewall weathering that is visually evident on the tire occurs when the rubber compounds used to make the tire begin to break down. As with most products, there is a natural degradation over time and exposure to adverse environmental conditions with the rubber compounds that make up a tire. Being exposed to high ozone concentrations in the atmosphere, climate changes, outside elements and misuse, these materials can begin wearing down faster, which may lead to cracking - a condition some may call “dry rotting.” Causes that lead to tires showing signs of early sidewall weathering can be attributed to five main areas:
What Does Dry Rot Look Like in a Tire?Closely inspected, properties of sidewall weathering will be easily noticeable and may take the following forms. After looking at your tires, if one of the following traits of sidewall weathering is evident in your vehicle’s tires, it is recommended to contact a Goodyear authorized service center or Goodyear dealer to have your tires inspected to gauge the severity of the issue.
1. Breakable Appearance: The tire will appear harder than normal with the surface being brittle and touching the affected areas could cause pieces of the rubber to flake off.
2. Cracking in the Tire’s Sidewall: Cracks on the sidewall of the tire will be noticeable and could extend to larger areas.
3. Cracking in the Tire’s Tread Pattern: In the case of more advanced sidewall weathering, cracks on the tire’s tread may begin to appear.
4. Discoloration: The color may begin to fade and may appear to be more of a gray tone. How to Help Prevent Tire Dry Rot?
Once deterioration becomes noticeable on tires, the best course of action is to replace the tires before additional damage can be done. Follow proper tire care and maintenance to help prolong the life of your tires from premature cracking.
If there are signs of cracking in your tires, find a local Goodyear tire dealer near you today. RELATED RESOURCESPay your bill, manage your tire financing and review your account. Managed by Citi Group Check your online order history and manage your profile. You have successfully logged out. Ok Not all tires fit every vehicle or tire size. If you change your vehicle or tire size, the tire in your cart will be removed. Continue What protects rubber tires from dry rotting?Ozone and ultraviolet (UV) light are the primary environmental causes of tire dry rot. Tire manufacturers blend chemical ingredients into the tire during the manufacturing process in an effort to combat dry rot caused by ozone and UV exposure. Carbon black is added to the rubber to protect the tires from UV light.
Can you prevent dry rot on tires?Keep Your Tires Out of Direct Sunlight to Prevent Dry Rot
Frequent exposure to UV is one of the biggest contributors to dry rotting in tires. This is both because UV degrades the oils that keep tires moist, and because the heat from UV increases the evaporation of water from out of the rubber.
What causes tires to get dry rot?Temperature, age, and exposure to sunlight all play a significant role in dry rot development. However, the most common reason for tire dry rot is also the easiest to avoid: prolonged periods of inactivity. When a car is parked in one position and stationary for a long period of time, its tires begin to age and dry.
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