Why do Michelin tires crack?

What Causes Tire Sidewall Cracking? Cracks are a sign that the rubber in your tires is starting to break down. This happens naturally due to exposure to UV light, oils, chemicals, and other elements that slowly break down compounds and reduce the rubber's flexibility over time.

Is a little cracking on tires OK?

Are All Cracks Dangerous? Cracks are an indication that either your tires are aging, or you need to take better care of them; however, not all cracks indicate your tires need to be immediately replaced. Cracks that are barely visible may not be cause for immediate replacement.

How do I stop my tires from cracking?

Do cracking tires need to be replaced?

Dry rot – If your tires show any signs of dry rot, a.k.a. sidewall cracking, it's time to replace them. All tires that are 5-6+ years old are at risk for dry rot, but it may happen sooner or could happen a little later.

How many years will Michelin tires last?

Ten years is a maximum

If the tires haven't been replaced 10 years after their date of manufacture, as a precaution, Michelin recommends replacing them with new tires. Even if they appear to be in usable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator. This applies to spare tires as well.

Tire Safety Check - Don't Drive on Crack!

How many miles do Michelin run flat tires last?

Run flat tires have specific technology to allow you to drive for a limited distance at a reduced speed after a puncture or a drop of tire pressure. MICHELIN® Zero Pressure (ZP) tires provide run-flat technology that allows you to drive up to 50 miles at 50 mph with a flat tire.

How long should 60000 mile tires last?

They need to be in tip-top shape to ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. So, how long should tires last? The straightforward answer is “it depends.” A normal set of tires should last for 60,000 to 75,000 miles, or about four to five years.

Is tire cracking covered under warranty?

Tire manufacturers' warranties typically cover cracking for a period of 4 years from the date the tire was purchased (receipt for the new tires or in-service date of the vehicle required) or four years from the date the tire was manufactured.

Are tires with cracked sidewalls safe?

Cracked tires are no good-and, often, you'll notice sidewall cracks in your tires first. Sidewall cracking is dangerous because it reduces a driver's ability to handle dramatic increases in load when taking corners and increases the possibility of a tire blowout. Repairing sidewall cracks ASAP is always the best idea.

What causes tires to dry and crack?

Tires naturally degrade over a period of time because they're made from rubber. When a tire ages, it loses the protective resin which keeps the rubber from oxidizing and drying out. As those oils evaporate, the tire becomes brittle, and starts developing cracks and begins to break apart.

Does tire shine cause tires to crack?

They are sticky liquids, often clear in appearance, and contain petroleum solvents. While they make the tire look great, they can lead to premature cracking or drying of the sidewall. This can be a safety hazard, as it's possible for tires to pop if the sidewall is cracked.

Do Michelin tires have a warranty?

All MICHELIN passenger and light truck replacement tires, and original equipment tires for 2011-2017 model years, are covered by a limited mileage warranty for treadwear, as well as a limited warranty which covers defects in workmanship and materials for the life of the original usable tread, or for 6 years from date ...

How do I claim my Michelin tire warranty?

If you experience any issues with your Michelin tire, you can reach the nearest dealer to file a warranty claim. You should explain what problem you have and ask for a tire replacement. In case your claim is approved, and your tire needs replacement, you should take it to the Michelin tire retailer.

How long should tires last?

On average, people drive between 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year, which means the average good quality all-season tire will last somewhere between three and five years, depending on maintenance, driving style and conditions, etc.

What month is best to buy tires?

And here's the secret: Buy your tires in October or April to save the most on your new set of wheels. Tires go on sale in October to encourage consumers to buy before winter and again in April when the weather gets warm enough for people to start thinking about road trips and joy rides.

Do more expensive tires last longer?

The study found that none of the tires measured up to the brands you already know and trust. While one of the tires in the study was half the price of its more expensive cousin, the more expensive tire lasted nearly three times longer.

Why do new car tires wear out so fast?

New tires or factory tires wear out quickly because car manufacturers use soft rubber for their tires. This soft rubber wears out much faster than aftermarket tires.

Can you repair a Michelin run-flat tire?

Michelin states a run-flat can be repaired if a puncture occurs in the crown area, but cannot be fixed if the sidewall is ruptured or punctured. If it can be repaired, a tire technician may then follow standard radial repair procedures using commercial products.

What are the disadvantages of run-flat tires?

Run-flat tires won't leave you stranded at the side of the road or force you to dig out your spare and change a tire. They're not perfect, though, as a catastrophic tire failure can leave your car disabled without a spare tire, and run-flat tires are expensive to replace.

How can you tell if Michelin tires are run-flat?

Michelin signify that a particular model is a Run Flat tyre by printing ZP on the sidewall of the tyre. To find out whether the tyres currently fitted to your vehicle are Run Flat tyres, check to see if this symbol appears on the sidewall.

Are Michelin the best tires?

Michelin tires are regarded as the very best. They rate highly across the board in virtually every category, by both consumer and industry experts. If it wasn't for the high price they'd score a full five stars.

How often should you rotate your tires?

Namely, it's a best practice to rotate tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or so. This is a rule of thumb, however, and you'll want to double-check with your vehicle's owner's manual for more specific information.

Are new tires covered under warranty?

Tires have a separate warranty

New-car tires are not covered by the vehicle's basic warranty. Instead, the warranty comes from the tiremaker, and it's outlined in a booklet you should find in your new car's glove box. The tire warranty protects against premature tire wear or manufacturing defects.

Can you return tires after driving them?

The trial period is usually 30 to 45 days, depending on the manufacturer. If you're not happy with your tires and would like a different set, you can return them. Most manufacturers require you to exchange the tires for a new set from their product lineup to qualify.

What is the average tire warranty?

Many car tires come with a prorated mileage warranty, also called a tread-life warranty, that is often used as a selling point. Think of that mileage limit, generally somewhere between 30,000 and 100,000 miles, as a figure highly influenced by a marketing department.