How to Fix Cracked Tires

The car has the most important parts, and if one of them is broken the car cannot be used. Even if your engine dies, somebody can help you drag the car with a strop. But if the tire cracks along the way, you risk being left without wheels. Therefore, in this article, we will look at the causes of such incidents and figure out how to deal with them step by step, even if you don’t have the necessary tools.

Why can a tire crack along the way?

1. Idle time or too long use.

You need to know when to stop. If your car has been in the garage for too long, the tires dry out and lose their former flexibility. You might notice that some of the rubber valves in your plumbing system harden too much over time and begin to leak water. This’s exactly what happens with car tires, if they are not used for a long time: rubber loses its main property – flexibility.

2. Ultraviolet.

You’re afraid to leave your car in the sun as the cabin will get too hot. It’ll be impossible to sit there. Here’s another reason why you should also not do this – rubber is very sensitive to UV light, so we recommend placing the car in the shade.

3. Cheap material.

We understand that the price of really good tires is usually too high. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t choose too cheap options, they look attractive only externally.

4. Incorrect installation.

Make sure you go to a professional before taking your vehicle to the workshop. Read the reviews on the internet, ask your friends, etc. Failure to fit the tires correctly could result in an accident on the road.

All these reasons rule out the problem of the so-called dry rot – a situation where the rubber loses its ability to traction and doesn’t adapt to the road.

How to deal with dry rot on the outside and inside of the tire?

1. Inspect everything.

Before you set off, take a close look at the condition of the tires. They shouldn’t give you any doubts. If you notice that in some places the tires are too luminous, this may mean that they’re dry and soon the first crack may appear in that very place.

2. Use of sealant.

This’s one of the main ways to fix tires. However, you must always remember that there is no universal sealant for all types of rubber, so you must know what properties/density and flexibility your model has. You can check this information at a car repair shop. The choice of sealant depends on all these factors.

Then you need:

1. The sealant.
2. Degreaser.
3. Reliable tire pressure gauge.
4. Compressor or a pump.

Let the tires cool down and deflate the wheel you want to fix. Remove the valve stem.  Now you need a degreaser as this will make the rubber easier to deal with. Then apply the sealant and let it cure for as long as instructed.

Then inflate the tire again. If the crack area is too large, apply a sealant to the entire zone of ​​the potential break and rotate the wheel around its axis so that the sealant adheres better to the moving wheel.

3. Use a protectant.

This is also a type of sealant, however, for small and frequent cracks. This method can protect you on a long journey if you give it enough time.

You need to create a work area around the car with access to water. After the wheels are cool, jack up the auto and remove the wheels to be repaired. Place them on a pallet (It may be rubber mats from the car). Rinse the tire thoroughly, then grease it with a degreaser. After the rubber is dry, empty the pallet and apply a protector to all tire surface. Then install them back.

It’s not difficult, but it takes more time.

4. Call a professional.

If you’re in doubt about your abilities or don’t have the necessary tools, an auto shop can help you. This is the simplest but expensive way to solve your problem.

FAQ

1. How to prevent dry rot?

Use your car often enough to keep the tire from drying out because of disuse. We also recommend regular checks on the condition of the car. You have to resort to repairing tires when they are already cracked, but taking care of your vehicle condition, you have every chance to avoid additional problems.

2. How to choose a tire sealant?

Typically, the sealants jar has this info. But if you don’t know your tire type, consult a professional for an exact definition.

3. How often should you change tires?

If you live in a region of eternal summer, tires have to be changed about once every 3-4 seasons. However, in regions with a changeable climate, you have to use 2 sets of rubber per year – winter and summer ones.

So, we talked about what to do if your tire is cracked. We hope this knowledge remains useful in theory, but in practice, we wish you pleasant, accident-free travel!