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The basic know-how of an automobile also involves the knowledge of how to fix cracked tires. Let us face it, tires that do not suffer from wear and tear are not coming into the market any soon. It is, therefore, in the benefit of drivers to learn how to repair cracked tires.
Tires are vital in how much control we have over the car. There are a lot of complications that can affect them, One of the most common of these being dry rot. The most common problem you have with tires is cracks. You may recognize this more as yours start to crack.
Many repair centers and shops recommend replacing new tires, which sounds very expensive. We will here discuss the leading causes of a cracked tire and how to fix it.
Cause of the cracked tire
Tires are familiar with degeneration like everything else everywhere. This builds over time with different physical symptoms, which will be covered below:
Numerous factors provoke cracking, such as:
- Extreme temperatures and high humidity- High temperatures are not suitable for rubber; it will be dry and cracked. Ultraviolet light will make the tires dry.
- Long periods of disuse- Our tires contain various compounds called antioxidants, such as oils that keep them in good condition. But when you use the car for a long time or keep the vehicle in one place, these compounds will evaporate or seep into the ground on the road.
- Poor maintenance- You should follow when the mechanic insists you maintain the tires. This will make tires more smooth and safe.
- Low-quality materials- Financial limitations make it difficult to pay the price for OEM units. You may have to choose a less costly model.
- Exposure to ozone- Ozone is fine way up in the earth’s atmosphere, but it’s just a pollutant at ground level.
- Aerosol sprays and electrical appliances produce ozone. Air purifiers or laundry water treatment systems that you may keep in your garage where your vehicle is removed.
How to fix cracked tires Internally Using Sealant
Sealants are substances that are applied internally. These are used as preventative here.
We have to select the one that mentions cracks or dry rot.
Step 1: Let Car Cool Down
Give the whole vehicle time to cool off, as it should feel cold to the touch.
Step 2: Prepare Sealant (If Needed)
We have to agitate strongly before using it. Make the sealant ready as specified by the manufacturer.
Step 3: Remove the Stem Valve Cap
Step 4: Apply Sealant
Insert the injector or nozzle into the valve to Squeeze or spray in the stated amount of sealant.
Step 5: Reinflate Tire
There was some loss of air pressure while you performed the treatment. Reinflate air pressure if needed, and check the PSI with a pressure gauge. Close the steam valve with the cap.
Step 6: Drive to Circulate
Take the car out for a ride, as the product should coat the whole inside of the tire.
How to Fix Cracked Tires Externally Using Protectant
Step 1: Set up a Suitable Work Area. It would help if you had a flat area to work where your drain pan won’t be at an angle.
Step 2: Let Your Vehicle Cool Down. Wait until none of the tires are warm or hot to the touch.
Step 3: Jack the Car up. Jacking up the car and placing it to keep it secure.
Step 4: Remove Cracked Tires
Step 5: Place Into Drain Pan. Place the first tire into the drain pan.
Step 6: Coat With Degreaser. Use it in a spray-on or use it as a sponge to apply it. Make sure the product gets into all areas. A layer of dirt will interact with the protectant.
Step 7: Let Sit, Then Scrub
Step 8: Rinse Thoroughly. Gently rinse the surface of the tire. Transfer the contaminated water into your containers.
Step 9: Wipe it Down and Air-Dry
Step 10: Empty Drain Pan Contents
Pour away dirt into containers to be disposed of later. Wipe the pan down or rinse it out.
Step 11: Apply Protectant
Spray protectant all over the tire surface as instructed. Distribute all over the tire.
Step 12: Time to Refit
Once the protectant has cured, put the tire back onto your car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you fix cracks in the tires?
You can easily fix a cracked tire with a sealant. Once you have repaired the crack, you can reinflate the tires.
How serious are cracks in tires?
Cracks signal that your tires are deteriorating or that you need to take better care of them; however, not all cracks imply that your tires need to be changed immediately. Cracks that are barely visible may not need to be replaced right away.
Why do my tires look cracked?
Driving on a cracked tire, or one that is underinflated or overloaded, causes the rubber compound to expand excessively, resulting in cracks that look similar to the surface cracks indicated above.
Pro Tip
We can’t shield our units from this fate, but we can lessen the chances of dry rot with our tips:
- Practice good maintenance.
- Don’t forget to use your car.
- Park it inside the garage, or we can buy a car cover.
- Keep your vehicle away from ozone-producer
Knowing how to fix cracked tires is handy. Hopefully, you’ll be able to delay costly replacements.
Check out: Sumitomo Tires Review – The Ultimate Sumitomo Review
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Terry is an Automotive Enthusiast and the face behind TopTireReviews. He's an avid reader, mechanic and loves writing blogs about car guides. You can find him on Linkedin