Car tires endure a lot throughout their working lives, including nails and other foreign objects that leave them punctured, as well as wear and tear from friction with the road. Tires are also subject to dry rot, a condition resulting in brittle, weak rubber subject to blowouts. Here’s what causes tire dry rot and what to do about it.

A Guide to Car Tire Dry Rot

Causes

Rubber breaks down naturally as it ages. However, certain factors speed up the decay process. Long-term exposure to UV rays, for example, causes the rubber molecules in tires to deteriorate while promoting resin oxidation. Resin acts as a binding agent in tires. Tires near heat sources, such as space heaters in garages, develop dry rot as well.

Ozone is yet another reason for dry rot, as it causes rubber surfaces to disintegrate. Tires on vehicles that do not get driven often, such as ATVs and RVs, break down at a faster rate because the compounds protecting the rubber don’t get used. Those coated with abrasive chemicals such as motor oil deteriorate quickly because they also contribute to premature compound breakdown.

Signs

Signs of dry rot include cracks in the tread and sidewall. Tires will also look and feel brittle, with pieces often breaking off as the deterioration worsens. You may notice that your tires look increasingly gray instead of black.

Unused tires also lose air pressure, causing them to deflate and any cracks in the sidewall to become more noticeable.

Treatment & Prevention

If your car tires haven’t sustained serious rot, they can be fixed with a water-based sealant free of degrading petrochemicals. If the rot is in an advanced stage, replace the tires to maintain a safe vehicle.

Prevent rot by driving your vehicle often, keeping it out of direct sunlight and away from artificial heat sources as much as possible, washing the rubber with non-abrasive cleansers, and checking the air pressure every month. Also, inspect your tires regularly for worn tread, cracked sidewalls, embedded nails, and other damage that impacts their function and safety. 

If it’s time for new car tires, visit M & C Tire in Kalispell, MT. This family-owned and -operated tire center also serves White Fish, Big Fork, Columbia Falls, Lakeside, and Somers. The Tire Industry Association-certified business has provided tire changes, auto alignments, oil changes, and other auto maintenance services since 1979. Call (406) 752-9662 today to schedule an appointment or shop online.