What are cracks on tires dangerous for

Cracks on tires are not uncommon, but it's essential to understand their nature. First and foremost, it's necessary to clearly distinguish between a crack and a cut. Sometimes, contact with a very sharp object can resemble a crack, having common signs, but still differs. Primarily, in its trajectory. The crack illustrated in this publication is obviously not a cut. Moreover, this damage was found on a winter tire, which clearly indicates the nature of its occurrence.

We're not just drawing your attention to the seasonality of the example tire, as cracks of this kind are often found on sports segment tires. The fact is that sports tires have elastomers that are sensitive to low temperatures, so during sudden deformations in the winter period, they literally crack. As a rule, this is a consequence of improper storage and handling.

What should you pay attention to if you find similar damage on a winter tire?

Such cases are changes in the physico-chemical properties of the rubber in a specific area. This is almost certainly a result of contact between the tire and fuel.

Operating such a tire is unsafe and can lead not only to a decrease in characteristics but also to partial destruction during driving. Therefore, when detecting such damage on a winter tire, it should be replaced.