Dry Rot Tires

WHAT IS TIRE DRY ROT?

Dry rot, also called "weathering," is when a material dries out and loses structural integrity.

Homeowners may be familiar with this term as structural dry rot can happen to the wood used to construct many modern homes.

Dry rot isn't just restricted to lumber, however. Unfortunately, it can also plague rubber-made products such as hoses, rubber bands and of course your tires. If you haven't seen tire rot in auto tires, you may have seen it in wheelbarrow or bicycle tires that become dry and brittle. Some old and overexposed tires are so bad that they will crumble in your hands.

Many motorists have not had the misfortune to come across this damage personally and so are unprepared for the signs. This is dangerous as tire rot can cause catastrophic tire failure.

Tire rot is most common on tires that aren't driven very often and/or have been left outside unprotected in the sun. It can also happen to tires that haven't been stored properly.

HOW TO TELL IF A TIRE IS DRY ROTTED

A quick visual inspection will tell you if your tires have dry rot. Some tell-tale signs include:

• Sidewall or cracking and dry spots near sidewall, under and on outside tread

• Faded coloring (your tire should be dark)

• Low air pressure

You should make it a habit to inspect your tires regularly. Pay attention to any wear patterns and note hairline cracks or even pliable chunks of rubber coming off your tire's sidewall.

Another useful clue to diagnosing tire rot is your tire's age. Knowing how old your tires are can help you determine if it's time to retire them. Check out our page on when to replace your tires and learn more about tire safety.

Depending on how old your tires are and how they've aged, you might be eligible for warranty coverage on your dry rot tires.

If you're not confident diagnosing dry rot on your own, America's Tire also offers free tire inspection services.

WHY DO TIRES DRY ROT?

What causes tire rot?

There are a number of factors that can lead to tire dry rot. These include:

• Age: Compounds in your tire's rubber break down over time and can lead to drying and cracking.

• Weather/driving conditions: Heat, cold and direct sunlight are some of the most common contributors to tire rot. Also, chemicals used to treat roads in winter or even cleaning agents can erode at your tire's rubber over time.

• Infrequent use: Regular use helps keep the tread compound pliable.

• Improper storage: Storing your tires incorrectly can allow them to be exposed to conditions that age and damage your tires.

• Improper air pressure: Correct air pressure is key to tire safety. Too much pressure will cause rubber to separate over time, while too little causes excessive heat that breaks down the rubber compounds.

• UV light: This breaks down the rubber in your tire. Not to be confused with sunlight (which is a common source of UV light).

CAN I DRIVE ON A TIRE WITH DRY ROT?

America's Tire does not recommend driving on a tire with dry rot.

Dry rot and cracking can compromise your tire's integrity and potentially lead to a blowout or other dangerous situation on the road.

In fact, dry rot can cause:

• Tread separation (while driving)

• Air loss or low air pressure

• Blowouts

According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are nearly 11,000 tire-related crashes in the United States. In 2022 alone, 562 people died due to tire-related accidents.

According to a 2012 NHTSA study, nine percent (189,917) of 2,188,970 crashes were "tire-related".

While your tires may develop dry rot without failing, it's a good idea to replace them ASAP. Modern rubber compounds offer advanced protection and resistance against dry rot but once it has set in, there is no way to reverse or fix it. It will only get worse.

We recommend bringing in your tires immediately as soon as you notice any damage, even if it's still minor. We can diagnose the severity and help you review your options and recommended next steps.

Although tires with cracked sidewalls are used everyday, we also see countless blowouts, failures and flats that inconvenience and harm drivers daily.

HOW TO FIX DRY ROTTED TIRES

Unfortunately, dry rotted tires cannot be repaired.

Dry rot occurs when the tire's rubber compounds begin to break down and become dry, brittle and crack. Once this process has begun, it cannot be reversed.

If your tire is afflicted with dry rot, you will need to replace it.

HOW TO PREVENT TIRE DRY ROT

You can help your tires resist dry rot in several ways.

• Perform regular tire inspections
  Keep an eye out for abnormal wear, fading colors or separation of the tread. Check your air pressure regularly. Also, stay on top of your tire maintenance schedule with regular tire rotations.

• Keep your tires in regular use
  Tires that are used will stay pliable and stretched out longer.

• Store your tires properly
  If possible, store your vehicle in a garage or covered parking spot. You can also make use of tire covers. Avoiding excessive heat, cold and UV light is key.

• Clean your tires
  Special tire cleaners offer protective agents that help keep your tires spiffy and healthy.

How long does it take for a tire to dry rot?

It depends. Your tires' age, how they're stored and where they're driven will have a big impact on how long it will take them to dry rot. It is a matter of when, not if. Tire rot happens to all tires over time.

In dry, arid climates, tire dry rot can set in after as little as five years. Meanwhile, more humid environments tend to see slower rates of rot because outside conditions are not as conducive to break down.

To mitigate the risk of your tires developing dry rot, try to park so that your tires aren't in direct sunlight. Practicing routine tire maintenance will help ward off tire dry rot, as well as prolonging tread life in any situation.

Tire rotations, rebalancing and air pressure checks help prolong the life of your tires, as well as help keep dry rot in check. Driving regularly also helps stave off rot because use will stretch the rubber as the tires rotate (keeping them flexible and limber). It's a lot like regular stretching exercises for people!

At the end of the day, if your tires are beginning to degrade, they are probably old enough to require replacing anyway, regardless of the severity of the cracking.

Ready to roll?

Looking for a safe tire for your family? Check out our blog on the safest tires for families!

If you have any questions or require further help, feel free to drop by any of our America's Tire locations and we'll get you taken care of. Buy and book online to save time!