How to prevent tyres from cracking or perishing

Spotted small cracks around your tyres? It’s easy to assume they’re nothing to worry about, especially when there’s still plenty of tread left. However, tread depth only tells you part of the story. 

Tyre rubber deteriorates with age, even on cars that aren’t driven very often. You can’t stop tyres ageing altogether, but correct pressures, suitable cleaning and protection from prolonged exposure to sunlight can help slow deterioration. Any cracking that has already appeared needs checking and shouldn’t be ignored. 

Here’s why tyres perish, what you can do to look after them and when it’s time to get advice. 

Why do tyres perish? 

Perishing describes the deterioration of tyre rubber over time. As the rubber ages, it can become less flexible and develop cracks on the sidewall or between the tread blocks. 

Age, sunlight, heat and ozone exposure all play a part. Some cleaning chemicals can also remove protective substances from the rubber, leaving it more vulnerable to cracking.  

That’s why low mileage doesn’t automatically mean a tyre is in good condition. A car that spends much of its time parked outside can still develop ageing tyres without wearing down the tread. 

If you’re unsure how old your tyres are, our guide how to tell the age of a tyre explains where to find the manufacturing date. 

 

How to reduce tyre cracking 

A few good habits can help you look after the rubber and spot changes before they become more serious. 

 

1. Keep your tyres at the recommended pressure 

Underinflated tyres flex more than they should while driving, which can generate excessive heat and put extra strain on their structure. 

Check pressures when the tyres are cold and use the settings in your vehicle handbook or on the vehicle’s pressure label. Remember that the recommended pressure may change when carrying a heavier load. Our tyre pressure guide covers all the relevant the checks.  

Inflating a tyre correctly won’t reverse existing cracks, but it helps avoid additional stress from incorrect pressure. 

 

2. Reduce prolonged exposure to sunlight 

You don’t need to hunt for a shaded parking space every time you stop. However, if your car regularly sits unused for long periods, sheltered parking can help reduce its exposure to direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. 

A garage or covered parking area is useful where available. If you’re storing seasonal tyres off the vehicle, keep them somewhere cool, dry and ventilated, away from direct sunlight.  

 

3. Be careful with cleaning products 

A glossy tyre might look well cared for, but shine isn’t a measure of its condition. 

Avoid harsh solvents, petrol, oil and aggressive cleaning chemicals. Remember that some products used to shine tyre sidewalls can remove their protective agents and accelerate cracking. Water and a soft brush are a straightforward starting point; follow your tyre manufacturer’s guidance before applying other products.  

Never use a dressing to hide cracks. It won’t restore deteriorated rubber or make a damaged tyre safe. 

 

4. Pay attention to cars that aren’t used often 

If you have a second car, convertible or vehicle that spends months parked up, don’t assume its tyres are fine because they’ve covered very few miles. 

Check their pressure and condition during storage, following the vehicle manufacturer’s advice. Before returning the car to regular use, inspect the full circumference of each tyre, including the section that was resting on the ground. Seek professional advice if the tyres have been significantly underinflated for a long time.  

Driving again won’t undo perishing that has already developed. 

 

5. Make tyre condition checks a regular habit 

When checking your tread, take a moment to look at the rubber too. Check for cracks, cuts, bulges and any changes in appearance. 

Look across the tread and around the visible sidewalls. Damage can also develop on the inner sidewall, where it’s harder to see without a professional inspection. 

Our overview of tyre damage explains other warning signs worth watching for. 

 

Is a cracked tyre sidewall dangerous? 

Yes. A cracked tyre sidewall needs professional assessment. Fine surface cracking and deeper splits aren’t the same, but it’s difficult to judge the extent of deterioration simply by looking at a tyre on your driveway. 

Cracks can be a sign that the rubber is approaching the end of its useful life. Don’t wait for the tread to wear down before asking for advice.  

If you can see exposed cords, a bulge or significant pressure loss, don’t continue driving on the affected tyre. Arrange professional assistance to have it checked safely.  

 

Can cracked tyres be repaired? 

Tyre perishing can’t be reversed with glue, sealant or a tyre dressing. When deterioration makes a tyre unsafe, it needs replacing. 

A repairable puncture in the tread is a different issue from ageing rubber or structural sidewall damage. A Merityre specialist can assess the condition and explain whether a replacement is necessary.  

 

When should ageing tyres be replaced? 

There’s no single lifespan that suits every tyre. Its condition depends on how it’s used, maintained and stored, as well as its age. 

Follow your tyre and vehicle manufacturers’ recommendations. For example, we recommend annual professional inspections after 5 years of use and precautionary replacement at 10 years from manufacture, including spare tyres. Damage or deterioration may mean replacement is needed much sooner.  

 

Noticed cracks? Let us take a look 

If you’ve spotted tyre cracking, we can help you understand what it means. We offer free tyre health checks, inspecting their condition and advising whether they need replacing. 

Find your nearest Merityre branch to arrange a check. Getting advice early takes the guesswork out of deciding whether your tyres are still safe to use.