Cracks on side wall a problem?

[mf4361]

I was wondering how should we decide on when to change tires? I noticed my tires have cracks on side wall like this. It's aging (IIRC 67k km) but I don't notice any leakage (check every month). I shall change it in the near future but just want to know if I should rush to do it.

Thanks!

[shepd]

That tire looks dry-rotted. How old is it? There's a DOT code somewhere on the tire (will be 3 or 4 numbers, if 3 numbers last digit = year of manufacture, if 4 numbers last two digits = year of manufacture.

Tires older than 5 years a are a bit risky. Tires older than 10 years will burst at any time. If you don't know how to handle them, blowouts can be very dangerous (if you do know how to handle them you would probably be fine, except in unusual circumstances, however, I still wouldn't run with old rubber).

[mf4361]

Thanks for the comment.
IIRC it's from 2011 so 5 years. (haven't checked the DOT code yet) The tread itself is not cracked at all, just the side wall but I would keep the hazard in mind.

[alanwagen]

I have had tires like that and they failed. It will fail when you are driving through a construction zone and no shoulder. I had to pull off the freeway to change mine so it was nerve rattling.
IMO, why wait for the failure and choose your inconvenience by getting some new tires. Depending how they fail and how fast you are going, it could turn out very ugly.

[CTScott]

Definitely not safe. Did you by any chance often use "tire shine" type products on them?

[kimona]

Once that tyre is removed, you'll be surprised how weak the sidewall actually is; in fact, you'd be able to pick it apart with just your fingernails! It's a common issue with 5+ year old Michelins... and I've had exactly the same problem earlier this year with the Michelins on my Camry. The tread was almost like new with just 20K on the tyres, but the sidewalls were badly cracked. You need to change those tyres ASAP. They are extremely dangerous to drive on like that!

[mf4361]

Thanks for all your comments. I have ordered some tires and will change it very soon.

To CTScott, no I have never used those products.