Tiny cracks on tires

lv2xlr8 · October 17th, 2009, 6:06 PM

So I have a couple of issues with my tires again. I've attached pictures of both issues and hoping to get a response as I'm going on a 230 mile trip back home tomorrow.

(The white/gray stuff on the tread is rock residue, there are no scuffs or anything on the actual tread.)

The last few weeks I've noticed these tiny cracks in between the actual tread and the sidewall.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l135/lp2137/cac950166fd4.jpg

And after my drive down, I noticed this small hair line crack.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l135/lp2137/b9802924e549.jpg

The tire (drivers left) in question is a 205/55 R 16 Conitental ContiTouring that has always been kept within 1-3 PSI of its intended 32 psi (currently it is at 33.) However, the other 3 tires I have are Good Year RS-A. All other tires are in good shape and all have been kept within 1-3 psi of there intended pressure. The tires are due up for a rotation.

The Contis have almost 7500 miles and the RS-A have close to 10,000. I wasn't able to find the DOT number to see when the tires were manfuactured though.

Any advice would be great, thanks.

Ladamaha · October 17th, 2009, 6:19 PM

Not an expert but I would say they are getting old and the rubber has hardened and started cracking.

Tires can get bad way before the grooves have worn out.

Spectre · October 17th, 2009, 6:20 PM

The sidewall chip/crack is a bit worrying. The forest of small cracks is the phenomenon known as "weather checking": http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=30

Also, if you can't easily find the date codes, chances are good that your tires date to before 2000 and therefore are at least 9 years old. They should be replaced straightaway if that is the case. More information is available here: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...currentpage=30

The rest of the date code might be on the other sidewall of the tire.

lv2xlr8 · October 18th, 2009, 6:25 PM

So I ended up replacing the tire...but I was stuck since there was only 1 shop open. I ended up buying a Hankook Ventus K104 (only tire avail in my size.) I hadn't realized till I got home that tire is unfortunately a Summer tire and can't be used in the winter.

So I'm looking for another RS-A to just match the others since I haven't had any issues with them.

emil_t · October 18th, 2009, 7:28 PM

the words "can't be used in winter" are so much throughn around these days images/smilies/tongue.gif

, i survived a winter with summer tires, glad i don't have to do that again, winter tyres are way better even on clear cold tarmac. though winter tyres in summer are a every bad idea, they tend to lose grip rapidly

EyeMWing · October 18th, 2009, 7:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lv2xlr8

So I ended up replacing the tire...but I was stuck since there was only 1 shop open. I ended up buying a Hankook Ventus K104 (only tire avail in my size.) I hadn't realized till I got home that tire is unfortunately a Summer tire and can't be used in the winter.

So I'm looking for another RS-A to just match the others since I haven't had any issues with them.

"Can't use summer tires in winter" pfft. The average moron manages, I'm sure a proper budget-strapped petrolhead shouldn't have any problems.

Mind you the moron that knocked out my electricity last night was probably on summer tires (and driving 70 in a 40... On an inch of snow)

thevictor390 · October 18th, 2009, 7:55 PM

I never got winter tires for the Sebring, but I don't plan to try that with the RX.

I have to say though I drove through some pretty bad storms and never felt in danger of not being able to make it. Just had to take it slow.

M_Bolc · October 18th, 2009, 8:57 PM

My old Dunlops did that. Chunks started ripping from the tread. Never buying that mmake again!

Polygon · October 18th, 2009, 10:41 PM

I went two winters in my old Sebring with a set of summer tires. Granted, I wouldn't recommend it for someone that doesn't know how to drive in the snow.

lv2xlr8 · October 19th, 2009, 3:48 AM

I'm debating what I should do right now. Driving in the snow is not an issue for me so either way I'll be okay. I think I may be able to break even or get close if I grab an RS-A and sell the Hankook on Craigslist or something.

lv2xlr8 · October 23rd, 2009, 7:24 PM

So I was checking out the old tire, now that it is off the car and it says DOT 4104. So the shop I went to get the tire changed, sold me a 3.5 year old tire since I replaced it around May of 08. I have read that most tires are supposed to have the DOT logo on each sidewall but on this tire, it's only on one sidewall. He conveniently installed on the inner sidewall.

I mean, I understand that I should have checked myself but I just assumed the tire was good as it was in a good condition. I don't even know what kind of recourse I have with the shop as I can go there and complain. But in there defense, I'm coming back a 1.5 years later with a bold claim.

I guess, you live and learn.

EDIT: If anyone is local, I'd be careful when going to Ashland Tire & Auto. They have quite a high labor rate but I heard they were good for tire swaps but I guess not. It could just have been 1 rogue worker but I'd keep my eyes open if you go in there especially if you have something replaced internally where it is not as easy to spot how old it is.

emil_t · October 23rd, 2009, 7:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lv2xlr8

... one sidewall. He conveniently installed on the inner sidewall ...

Welcome to the world of professional auto services

lv2xlr8 · October 23rd, 2009, 9:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emil_t

Welcome to the world of professional services

Fixed for you. It's hard to find honest knowledgeable people in any labor/service line of work.

I plan on picking up a beater car in the spring to slowly teach myself how to do my own repairs so that I don't have to throw away money or possibly get scammed by a dishonest mechanic.

emil_t · October 25th, 2009, 8:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lv2xlr8

Fixed for you. It's hard to find honest knowledgeable people in any labor/service line of work.

I plan on picking up a beater car in the spring to slowly teach myself how to do my own repairs so that I don't have to throw away money or possibly get scammed by a dishonest mechanic.

that is what i did, and it turned out great, i even started improveing it, and i don't have any mechanical/electrical knowledge what-so-ever. i kind of like getting my hands dirty from time to time, but be warned, it can be VERY frustrating and you can mess up badly.

and i have a mechanic i go to when all goes wrong, never had any issues with him, he is really kind of cool, he actually does minor details tightening panels / reparing plastic covers and such without paying him extra, probably because i'm a regular for some years now, and i always leave tips, over time i found out that mechanics from the authorized dealer are actually less handy but charge way more.

NooDle · October 26th, 2009, 12:30 PM

I know I'm late and all, but any cracking indicates an old tyre. And AFAIK old tyres are just as bad as worn ones.
So I'd say replace ASAP, which you've already done.

But do you now have 1 Hankook and 3 Goodyears? Isn't that illegal (over here it is anyways), because you always need identical tyres on every axle. So you can have 2 Goodyears on the front and 2 Hankooks on the rear, but not one Hankook and one Goodyear on any axle

Polygon · October 26th, 2009, 3:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NooDle

But do you now have 1 Hankook and 3 Goodyears? Isn't that illegal (over here it is anyways), because you always need identical tyres on every axle. So you can have 2 Goodyears on the front and 2 Hankooks on the rear, but not one Hankook and one Goodyear on any axle

No, he's in America where they don't give a crap about that sort of thing. They let all kinds of asinine shit fly. Hell, he could probably pass inspection in a lot of places with his tires like that.

Clegko · October 26th, 2009, 5:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polygon

Hell, he could probably pass inspection in a lot of places with his tires like that.

Or you could just live in a state that doesn't have state car inspections. Lots of fun driving down the road, not knowing if that guys brakes work properly or not.

Side note: Oklahoma is the only state in the US where it is legal to drive with no hood on the car. True story.

shad_68 · October 26th, 2009, 7:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NooDle

Isn't that illegal (over here it is anyways), because you always need identical tyres on every axle.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polygon

No, he's in America where they don't give a crap about that sort of thing. They let all kinds of asinine shit fly. Hell, he could probably pass inspection in a lot of places with his tires like that.

I was going to reply "Dude, he's in the US... I don't think they give a damn" as well.

Lupin_IV · October 26th, 2009, 8:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clegko

Side note: Oklahoma is the only state in the US where it is legal to drive with no hood on the car. True story.

That's not true; in Pennsylvania it is perfectly legal to operate a vehicle without an engine cover as long as the fan is shrouded.

thevictor390 · October 26th, 2009, 8:56 PM

I see rat-rods without engine covers all the time.

October 17th, 2009, 6:06 PM	#1
lv2xlr8 Joined: Jan 10th, 2007 Last Online: February 12th, 2010 Location: Chicago Burbs Age: 20 Posts: 515 Car: 99 Mistubishi Galant Rep Power: 18	Tiny cracks on tires So I have a couple of issues with my tires again. I've attached pictures of both issues and hoping to get a response as I'm going on a 230 mile trip back home tomorrow. (The white/gray stuff on the tread is rock residue, there are no scuffs or anything on the actual tread.) The last few weeks I've noticed these tiny cracks in between the actual tread and the sidewall. And after my drive down, I noticed this small hair line crack. The tire (drivers left) in question is a 205/55 R 16 Conitental ContiTouring that has always been kept within 1-3 PSI of its intended 32 psi (currently it is at 33.) However, the other 3 tires I have are Good Year RS-A. All other tires are in good shape and all have been kept within 1-3 psi of there intended pressure. The tires are due up for a rotation. The Contis have almost 7500 miles and the RS-A have close to 10,000. I wasn't able to find the DOT number to see when the tires were manfuactured though. Any advice would be great, thanks. __________________ Larry: How did they finally get to you? Sam: They gave me a grasshopper. Larry: What's a grasshopper? Sam: Lessee, two parts gin, one part brandy, one part Creme de Menthe...

October 17th, 2009, 6:19 PM	#2
Ladamaha Joined: May 16th, 2009 Last Online: 5:25 AM Age: 21 Posts: 1,101 Rep Power: 83	Not an expert but I would say they are getting old and the rubber has hardened and started cracking. Tires can get bad way before the grooves have worn out. __________________

October 17th, 2009, 6:20 PM	#3
Spectre Joined: Feb 1st, 2007 Last Online: 7:41 AM Location: Dallas, Texas Age: 33 Posts: 10,395 Car: 87 XJ6, 95 XJR, 90 WD21, 86 CB700SC, 98 PC800 Rep Power: 344	The sidewall chip/crack is a bit worrying. The forest of small cracks is the phenomenon known as "weather checking": http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=30 Also, if you can't easily find the date codes, chances are good that your tires date to before 2000 and therefore are at least 9 years old. They should be replaced straightaway if that is the case. More information is available here: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...currentpage=30 The rest of the date code might be on the other sidewall of the tire. __________________ Enough is enough. We are not here to subsidize your clueless business plans or reward your failures. 1986 Honda Nighthawk 700S (project, light restoration in progress) 1987 Jaguar XJ6 Series III Vanden Plas (modified) 1990 Nissan (WD21) Pathfinder SE 4x4 (little red offroad commuter box) 1995 Jaguar (X300) XJR 1998 Honda Pacific Coast PC800 (two-wheeled pickup truck/utility bike)

October 18th, 2009, 6:25 PM	#4
lv2xlr8 Joined: Jan 10th, 2007 Last Online: February 12th, 2010 Location: Chicago Burbs Age: 20 Posts: 515 Car: 99 Mistubishi Galant Rep Power: 18	So I ended up replacing the tire...but I was stuck since there was only 1 shop open. I ended up buying a Hankook Ventus K104 (only tire avail in my size.) I hadn't realized till I got home that tire is unfortunately a Summer tire and can't be used in the winter. So I'm looking for another RS-A to just match the others since I haven't had any issues with them. __________________ Larry: How did they finally get to you? Sam: They gave me a grasshopper. Larry: What's a grasshopper? Sam: Lessee, two parts gin, one part brandy, one part Creme de Menthe...

October 18th, 2009, 7:28 PM	#5
emil_t Joined: Jul 28th, 2007 Last Online: Yesterday Posts: 1,440 Rep Power: 33	the words "can't be used in winter" are so much throughn around these days , i survived a winter with summer tires, glad i don't have to do that again, winter tyres are way better even on clear cold tarmac. though winter tyres in summer are a every bad idea, they tend to lose grip rapidly Last edited by emil_t; October 25th, 2009 at 8:10 PM.

October 18th, 2009, 7:55 PM	#7
thevictor390 Teen Wankeler Joined: Mar 9th, 2007 Last Online: 3:23 AM Location: Massachusetts Age: 19 Posts: 3,022 Car: 2006 RX-8 Rep Power: 114	I never got winter tires for the Sebring, but I don't plan to try that with the RX. I have to say though I drove through some pretty bad storms and never felt in danger of not being able to make it. Just had to take it slow.

October 18th, 2009, 8:57 PM	#8
M_Bolc Joined: Aug 31st, 2006 Last Online: 1:38 AM Location: San José, Costa Rica Age: 23 Posts: 380 Car: Very black GTI 1.8t Rep Power: 31	My old Dunlops did that. Chunks started ripping from the tread. Never buying that mmake again!

October 18th, 2009, 10:41 PM	#9
Polygon Joined: Oct 7th, 2007 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Utah, United States Age: 29 Posts: 464 Car: 1989 LeBaron GTC TII & 1991 Stealth R/T TT Rep Power: 23	I went two winters in my old Sebring with a set of summer tires. Granted, I wouldn't recommend it for someone that doesn't know how to drive in the snow. __________________ Clint: 1989 Chrysler LeBaron GTC Turbo II - 1991 Dodge Stealth R/T TT - 2010 Ford Escape XLT My CarDomain Garage

October 19th, 2009, 3:48 AM	#10
lv2xlr8 Joined: Jan 10th, 2007 Last Online: February 12th, 2010 Location: Chicago Burbs Age: 20 Posts: 515 Car: 99 Mistubishi Galant Rep Power: 18	I'm debating what I should do right now. Driving in the snow is not an issue for me so either way I'll be okay. I think I may be able to break even or get close if I grab an RS-A and sell the Hankook on Craigslist or something. __________________ Larry: How did they finally get to you? Sam: They gave me a grasshopper. Larry: What's a grasshopper? Sam: Lessee, two parts gin, one part brandy, one part Creme de Menthe...

October 23rd, 2009, 7:24 PM	#11
lv2xlr8 Joined: Jan 10th, 2007 Last Online: February 12th, 2010 Location: Chicago Burbs Age: 20 Posts: 515 Car: 99 Mistubishi Galant Rep Power: 18	So I was checking out the old tire, now that it is off the car and it says DOT 4104. So the shop I went to get the tire changed, sold me a 3.5 year old tire since I replaced it around May of 08. I have read that most tires are supposed to have the DOT logo on each sidewall but on this tire, it's only on one sidewall. He conveniently installed on the inner sidewall. I mean, I understand that I should have checked myself but I just assumed the tire was good as it was in a good condition. I don't even know what kind of recourse I have with the shop as I can go there and complain. But in there defense, I'm coming back a 1.5 years later with a bold claim. I guess, you live and learn. EDIT: If anyone is local, I'd be careful when going to Ashland Tire & Auto. They have quite a high labor rate but I heard they were good for tire swaps but I guess not. It could just have been 1 rogue worker but I'd keep my eyes open if you go in there especially if you have something replaced internally where it is not as easy to spot how old it is. __________________ Larry: How did they finally get to you? Sam: They gave me a grasshopper. Larry: What's a grasshopper? Sam: Lessee, two parts gin, one part brandy, one part Creme de Menthe... Last edited by lv2xlr8; October 23rd, 2009 at 7:26 PM.

October 26th, 2009, 12:30 PM	#15
NooDle Ik ben niet alleen lekker met kaas! Joined: Jul 20th, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Belgium Age: 28 Posts: 6,164 Car: Opel Astra 2.2 DTI Rep Power: 127	I know I'm late and all, but any cracking indicates an old tyre. And AFAIK old tyres are just as bad as worn ones. So I'd say replace ASAP, which you've already done. But do you now have 1 Hankook and 3 Goodyears? Isn't that illegal (over here it is anyways), because you always need identical tyres on every axle. So you can have 2 Goodyears on the front and 2 Hankooks on the rear, but not one Hankook and one Goodyear on any axle __________________ Italian noodles to the rescue!

October 26th, 2009, 8:56 PM	#20
thevictor390 Teen Wankeler Joined: Mar 9th, 2007 Last Online: 3:23 AM Location: Massachusetts Age: 19 Posts: 3,022 Car: 2006 RX-8 Rep Power: 114	I see rat-rods without engine covers all the time.

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