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Dry rot is when the structural integrity of the tire’s material begins to break down. This can appear as visible cracking in the treads or on the sidewalls of the tire. Concerned you might have this problem on your hands? Don’t worry, we’ll break down how to identify and prevent this problem.

Dry rot can have the appearance of cracks, but it can also change the texture of the tire. In this case, tires can feel hard and brittle to the touch. The tire could even begin to flake. Another sign to watch out for is general discoloration, such as spots on your tire that look more gray than black.

What Causes Dry Rot

There are natural components of your tire's life that contribute to dry rot. This includes tough weather conditions, climate changes, sunlight exposure, and just plain old aging. but there are other factors in your control, such as tire pressure that’s too low, storage at high temperatures, and sitting for too long without being used. 

How to Keep Tires from Dry Rotting

It’s a pain, but there are ways to prevent or slow down the process.

Parking your car out of direct sunlight will protect the material from breaking down under harsh UV rays. Washing your tires to remove any harsh substances they could have picked up on the road is also an easy way to maintain them. And for your safety and the tire’s integrity, be sure to check frequently that your tires are inflated appropriately. 

If you’re going to be storing your tires or not using your vehicle for a while, be sure that the storage area is dry and out of direct sunlight. As much weight as possible should be removed from the tires in long-term storage, so it’s a good idea to remove unnecessary items from the vehicle.

When to Replace Tires with Dry Rot

If your tires develop visible cracks, discoloration, or a change in their material appearance, it’s time to have your tires checked out by a professional for replacement. Driving on tires with these symptoms present is dangerous, especially if left unaddressed for too long. 

If you notice your tires looking dry, cracked, or showing other troubling signs, stop into Highland Tire and we’ll get you taken care of.