Does your vehicle have cracked tires? You don’t have the high budget for changing the tires right now? What to do now?
Don’t worry; we have some foolproof methods to fix the cracked tires. They are both safe and easy on your pocket and you can use your previous tires for some more time.
As tires are one of the most important parts of a vehicle. They should be examined regularly for your safety. However, it is really dangerous to travel with cracked tires.
See also: The Best Tires for Gravel Roads in 2022
Prolonged use can cause dry rot or wear and tear of tires. It is the development of cracks in the tires. An expert mechanic might suggest you replace them but it is a high-cost program. So if you want to fix them for now, there are trusted methods for doing this. Let’s get into it!
Main reasons for cracked tires
Before getting to know how to fix the cracked tires, let’s just learn that why do these cracks develop? With this knowledge, you will be able to avoid further damage to your tires. The common reasons for cracked tires are:
1. Quality of tire’s material
The material quality of the tire is one of the most important factors. A high-quality rubber or tire material can serve you for a longer period than a low-quality one.
It might be high priced but it has better abilities to handle extreme temperature and longer period.
2. Extreme Temperature
As the tires are exposed part of a car, extreme temperature and humidity play their role in the aging of tires. With high heat or cold temperatures, the rubber of the tires is prone to deteriorate faster and get dry resulting in cracks.
3. Not using the tires/vehicles for a long time
Oils and antioxidants in the tires protect them from drying out and maintain their good shape. However, if a vehicle is not used for an extended period, these elements may leech into the ground and your tire will be exposed to the environment with nothing in it to protect it.
4. Irregular pressure in tires
The tires should have a maintained pressure according to the recommended PSI. Over pressurizing of tires may lead to extra pressure end up in cracking and creasing of tires. Under pressurized tires not only maintain the weight poorly but also increases the friction and produce more heat to generate cracking.
Let’s fix the cracked tires
1. Seal the cracks with a protectant externally
You can seal the visible and large cracks by using a protectant externally. The protectant is also able to save your tire from ultraviolet rays.
Materials required:
- Protectant
- Large sponge
- Water-based degreaser
- Water hose
Method:
- Jack up and remove the tire from the car. You can work more effectively with the tire individually. Before removing the tires, make sure that it is cooled down and the rubber is not hot for touching it safely
- Inspect the tire thoroughly and track and mark all the cracks on it
- Now apply the degreaser on the surface of the tire by covering it completely. Make sure to apply more product and scrub the tire nicely especially on the cracked spots. Generally, the water-based degreaser is applied on the sponge and then on the tire. But make sure to read the instructions on the back of the degreaser that you are using.
- After the degreaser is applied for a good time, it’s time to clean it with a rug and then rinse thoroughly with the water hose. Make sure to remove the entire product and then let it get dry completely in the air.
- Now the key step, apply or spray the protectant whatever the type you are using. Cover the entire tire with the protectant and not only the cracked areas. Now give some time to it to seep into the tire completely and get dry. It will take few hours to dry.
- After drying, inspect the tire again to make that the job is done and if you spot any cracks again then repeat the process.
2. Seal the cracks with a sealant internally
Just like sealing a puncture, you can fix small cracks and dry rot with a sealant internally. Purchase the sealant specially designed for a crack or dry rot, depending on your need.
- Just like the above method, remove your tires from the vehicle after cooling them down.
- Now examine the tire and find the small cracks and the amount of damage in it.
- Now prepare the sealant by mixing the ingredients in it and apply it to the interior of the tire. Concentrate more on the affected areas and follow the complete instructions on the sealant packing.
- After it is dried, reinflate your tire according to the recommended PSI as air is lost from the tire during the sealing operation.
- Now install the tire back in the vehicle. You can drive around to ensure that the sealant is spread effectively throughout the tire into the cracks. Not every sealant requires driving but give it a shot to complete the sealing process successfully.
Tips to avoid dry rots and cracked tires
Although you can fix the cracked tires they are not as perfect as the new ones. You can take care of your tires to avoid cracks with these tips and tricks and they will accompany you for a long time.
- Get your tires checked regularly by a mechanic.
- Avoid using under or over-pressurized tires.
- Do not park your car for a prolonged time in a spot.
- Always cover your car with the car cloth to stay away from dust and extreme weather.
- Apply tire protectant to the tires at least in a month.
- Ensure the tire health by getting them serviced regularly.
- Invest in high-quality tires for longer usage.
Final Words
Cracked tires are unavoidable after a certain time. But you can slow down the complete decay of the tires by fixing them with the above-mentioned methods. It will not break your bank being cost-effective.
Remember! Fixing the cracked tires is not a permanent solution and you might have to change them afterward. After fixing your tires, now that you know that the tire deterioration has started, keep a closer check on them to avoid any trouble or accident. Take good care of your tires in the first place our pro tips to avoid dry rotting or cracking.