How to Determine Auto Tire Dry Rot
Frequently when a driver experiences a blowout he blames the tire manufacturer for producing a defective tire. Quite possibly the truth is that the tire that blew out was an old tire that had developed dry rot and simply could no longer handle the heat produced in normal driving. Such heat quickly builds up, especially in an underinflated tire.To determine auto tire dry rot, it is important that owners of older or infrequently driven vehicles check their tires for visual clues.
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Instructions
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Examine the sidewalls and tread of your tires carefully. Dry rot is indicated by fine cracks in the tire and frequently is most noticeable on the sidewall. A severely dry rotted tire also exhibits cracking between the tread ribs.
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Replace tires that have started to dry rot. The rotting weakens the tire dramatically. Dry rot is usually a sign that the tire is old or has been poorly maintained. Cracking, especially in the tread, indicates a tire that is becoming unsafe.
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Protect your tires from dry rot by limiting exposure to sunlight. Store the car in a garage when not in use or cover the tires with a UV-resistant cover.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the age of your tires. Older tires are more likely to develop dry rot. Look for the DOT number on the tire sidewall, usually found near the wheel. The last three digits indicate the date the tires were produced before the year 2000; for that year and later, the tires are dated with the last four digits. In both cases, the first two of these numbers is the week the tire was produced, while the last one or two digits is the year.
