lots of cracks along tire sidewall
 

I've got a set of BFGoodrich tires that have been driven more nearly 10000kms..... but have recently noticed multiple (thin and long) cracks along the sidewall.

The tread is fannntastic, however am a little concerned about the cracking.

The dealer obviously suggested that i replace the tires..... but i'm just reluctant on shelling for new tires.

Anybody have any experiences to share....do i replace now...or try to get my moneys worth?

Oh ya.... BTW... i used a lot of the tire shining cleaning products, which apparently contributes to the cracking.

It also sounds like they have been heat cycled. Either way i would replace them do to traction issues.

heat cycled???

traction is great.... can still fit half a penny into the tread.

Cracking on the sidewall could just be skin deep and due to shine agents drying out the rubber.

The worst case though is that those cracks are not skin deep and your tire is at risk of tread separation, which is basically your tire self-destructing. If this happens at speed you've got serious control issues with the car and your rim will most likely be damaged by the time you stop the car.

What model BFGoodrich tire is it? And what is the speed rating on the tire?

tire shine bad on ur tire no? i wanna know this...

Why would anyone ever use Tire shining products???? that is why your tires are cracking and yes they are unsafe for the road get new tires....

I know the sidewall is the most important part of the tire. I don't know if the cracks on the sidewall is harmful, but I assume they are.

Let me get this straight. You don't want to dish out more money for tires?? You'd rather die??

Let's put it this way, your tires keep you on the road, so I would invest in some new tires if I were you.

Its better to be safe than sorry.

I thought these tire shine/conditioners are supposed to keep the them from cracking?? kinda like a leather conditioner?
I admit most people use them to bling out their cars purely for show factor....but i'm sure they do serve somewhat of a purpose.

so fact or fiction?

if so what brands should we be looking @ for functionality over cosmetics....i could care less that the "black" on my tires is blinding somebody.

Edit: Found my answer...heres the link if you guys care to read up
http://www.autoeducation.com/carcare/tires.htm

The tires that have crack is what i called the weather crack. Because the tires have been driven for so long i mean like year wise. That's why u get weather cracks. If it isn't that bad u should be able to drive it. At least make sure the inside is not going to crack or anything. I have weather cracks on my car but not on the sidewall but on the treads. It drives fine. As long as the inside doesn't crack when u flex the tire it should be ok. But really u should change it and it is recommended. If u can't afford it then drive it for a year or 2 and buy something better.

I use Meguires tire gel, its great and whether it protects the tire or not i don't care, as long as it dosen't do any harm. It cleans up the tire and you don't have to make it shiny, it can just be clean, which is what i use it for.

looks odd dirty tires when you've just spent 2-3 hours detailing the car

the tires are the most important part of your car, so don't skim on them, i don't think tire shine made the sidewalls crack though...

I've heard SILICON based tire shines de-grade the rubber after time. I use Meguiar's Tire shine Gel, it doesn't fly off tires like sprays.

About those cracks in the sidewall, i'd have to see pics to determine how safe they are to drive on. for now use a non silicon based tire shine to protect every wash or second wash.

I've had lines like that on my tires before.. I drove with them like that for two seasons. I changed them after I started noticing that the just beneath the tread, the tire was splitting. So if you are going to drive on them definetly keep an eye on them otherwise you might be in for deep trouble. If your tires are starting to get ridiculously loud then for sure they are wearing and should be changed.

Tires
 

Listen to RAYX_si and Gatherer

I just looked at that link! Man that is horrible, I just bought new tires and now when I get home I have to check to see if it has silicone oil in it! From now on I will use the Meguiars Gel. Is there any others that are safe?