When to Replace Dry Rot Tires: Tips for Keeping Your Car Safe on the Road

When to Replace Dry Rot Tires: Tips for Keeping Your Car Safe on the Road

If you're like most drivers, you probably don't think about your car's tires until there's a problem. And by then, it may be too late. You might have a blowout on the highway, or worse, end up in a serious accident. One of the most important things you can do to keep your car safe on the road is to make sure your tires are in good condition. In this blog post, we'll discuss when to replace dry rot tires and how to tell if they need to be replaced.

What is tire dry rot?

Tire dry rot is a type of damage or tire decay that can occur. It's caused by exposure to sunlight and extreme weather conditions. Tires with dry rot will start to crack and deteriorate, which can lead to blowouts and accidents. When you have tire dry rot, air escapes the tire rubber easily and the tire can quickly lose pressure.

What happens with dry rot?

Dry rot dries out your tires, and essential oils are lost, so the rubber becomes brittle and small cracks and air loss will start to appear over time. The tire will appear like cracked leather or elephant skin. When cracks reach the nylon and polyester yarns in the tire cord, the dry rot process speeds up.

It's best to be prepared for the road ahead, take preventive measures to prevent dry rot, and know when to replace a dry rot tire with a new tire.

How do you know if your tires have dry rot?

There are a few ways to tell if your tires have dry rot:

1. Look for cracks in the rubber or sidewall of the tire.
2. Check for bubbles or blisters in the rubber.
3. Feel for bumps or ridges on the surface of the tire.
4. Look for signs of excessive wear, such as bald spots or deep grooves.

Keeping a tire with dry rot inflated can feel like an impossible task, but it's important to keep your car safe on the road. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's probably time to replace your tires.

How can you avoid dry rotted tires?

You can prevent tire dry rot by maintaining your tire inflation pressure and rotating them every few thousand miles. When a car is parked for an extended period of time, the tires can slowly lose air as they sit. Underinflated tires can lead to dry rotting, and cause tremendous wear on the tire tread.

You should also avoid driving in extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow. Extended parking care can also lead to dry rot. A lot of people store winter tires during the summer and end up with tire dry rot by the time the cold comes in.

The number one cause of tire failure is underinflated tires, so always be aware and check your tires regularly. If you do experience a tire blowout or other tire failures, make sure to pull over safely and call for help. Do not continue driving on a flat tire. You could cause further damage to the tire or even your car.

Take care of your tires, and they'll take care of you

If you take care of your tires, they'll last much longer and you'll be less likely to experience a blowout or other safety hazard. A healthy tire is a safe tire! So make sure to keep an eye on your tire pressure and replace your tires when they start to show signs of dry rot. It's better to be safe than sorry!

Dry rot can be a serious hazard on the road, so it's important to stay vigilant and know when to replace dry rot tires. By following these tips, you can keep yourself and your passengers safe on the road. If you're concerned about the safety of your car, bring it to a mechanic for a check-up. They can tell you if your tires need to be replaced and suggest alternate options if dry rot is detected.

How can you store tires safely?

Tire dry rot can also occur as a tire ages and is not used. It's best to keep tires active by rotating them every few months, avoiding prolonged periods without use, and other preventative measures. If you're not going on an extended vacation or are not going to use your car for a long period of time, it's important to store the tires in a dry, cool place to avoid dry rot. This will help prevent the development of dry rot and keep your tires in good condition.

Tire covers also work well for storing tires. They protect the tires from the sun and other elements that can damage them. Direct sunlight, excessive heat, and persistent exposure to UV rays are some of the primary causes of sidewall weathering and cracking. Exposure to high temperatures can also cause tread separations, component separation, or early sidewall weathering, so avoid anything which generates excessive heat or hot temperatures such as leaving your car in the sun for long periods.

If you have any more questions about preventative measures to avoid dry rot, how to spot tire dry rot, or replacing your dry rot tires, don't hesitate to contact one of our tire experts now! We have lots of helpful resources and can answer all of your car-related questions.

When should you replace dry rotted tires?

If you notice signs of any of the following tire dry rot symptoms, it's time to replace tires:

- excessive wear, such as bald spots or deep grooves

- bubbles or blisters on the surface of the tire

- cracks in the tire tread or sidewall cracking

- chunks missing from the tire tread

- a brown or black crust on the surface of the tire

When it comes time to replace dry rotted tires, it's important to choose the right type of tire for your vehicle. There are many different types of tires available on the market, so it's important to do your research before making a purchase.

How to spot advanced dry rot

If you can't remember the last time you replaced your tires, or if you're not sure whether they've dry rotting or not, you can spot advanced dry rot by looking for the following signs:

- bulges on the surface of the tire

- tread separation from the tire carcass

- a powdery substance on or around the dry rot spots

If you notice any of these warning signs, it's time to replace your dry rot tires immediately. Not doing so can be extremely dangerous and could lead to a blowout or other dangerous situations.

Purchase High Quality Tires at Pay Later Tires

You stand a better chance of avoiding premature dry rot and tire failure by purchasing high-quality tires in the first place. Not only will you get better tire life, you'll also enjoy a smoother, quieter ride. The tire rubber will also be less likely to dry out, crack, or experience even minor dry rot when it's of a higher quality. When you replace your older tires, make sure you buy a good quality set.

At Pay Later Tires, we offer an extensive selection of new tires from some of the most trusted brands in the industry. Plus, you can take advantage of our flexible financing options and affordable monthly payments. So why wait? Search for your tire size or vehicle with our easy-to-use tools to find the perfect new tires for your car, truck, SUV, off-road recreational vehicle, vintage car, or other vehicle!

The tire experts at Pay Later Tires can help you replace your vehicle's tires with the perfect set for your driving needs and budget. We have a wide selection of high-quality tires available, so you can find the perfect set for your car or truck.

Plus, we offer flexible financing and rent-to-own leasing options so you can get the tires you need without breaking your bank account. Contact us today to learn more about our tire services and financing options. Don't wait - contact Pay Later Tires today to learn more about our dry rot tire replacement services!