Cracks in Tire Tread: What Causes Them and When You Should Replace the Tire
Cracks in Tire Tread: What Causes Them and When You Should Replace the Tire
Seeing cracks in the tire tread can be alarming—and it should trigger a careful inspection. Some cracking is superficial, but deep cracks can indicate aging, compound degradation, or structural issues that increase the risk of failure.
This guide focuses on what to look for, why cracks happen, and how tread depth and cracking together should influence your decision.
Common Causes of Tread Cracking
Cracking is more common on older tires, even if tread depth still looks “okay.”
How to Inspect Cracks Properly
Check:
If you see cracks near the sidewall or bead area, treat that as more serious than minor surface cracking on tread blocks.
Tread Depth Still Matters (Even With Cracks)
Low tread depth reduces wet safety margins. If you have both cracking and low tread, replacement is usually the sensible move.
If you’re unsure of the depth, measure it:
Replacement thresholds explained:
When Replacement Is the Safest Call
Replace the tire (or have a professional inspect it immediately) if you see: