Tire rubber usually contains a protective resin to keep the material supple. Dry rot occurs when the oils in that resin dry out. The rubber then begins to oxidize, and the whole tire may turn brittle and decay. Recognizing and preventing dry rot should be important parts of your auto maintenance plan. Review this brief guide to learn more about this condition.

Why Dry Rot Happens

Age is a common cause of dry rot. Even if the tires haven't been used much and the tread is in good condition, they should be replaced after eight years. 

Heat can dry out tires prematurely, so regular exposure to sunlight or storage in a hot space will also cause dry rot. Driving on underinflated tires can wear the materials down and potentially raise the rubber's temperature to damaging levels.

Signs of Dry Rot

A spiderweb-like cracking often appears along the tire's sidewall, either in small sections or spread across the whole tire. Small flakes of rubber may fall off the sidewall. 

As the problem advances, the cracks will begin to appear along the exterior edges of the tread as well. The rubber's color might fade as the darker resin oxidizes, making it a lighter gray color rather than a healthy black hue. 

How to Prevent It

When you replace an old set of tires, always have an auto mechanic give you a new, high-quality set. When you purchase used tires, you don't know how long they were stored in a hot warehouse or if the previous owner used them improperly.

Once the tires are on your car, protect them by parking in cool, shaded areas. For example, park inside the garage rather than in the driveway. Always keep the tires inflated to the recommended PSI range indicated on the tire's sidewall, and check the pressure once a month or before any long road trips to add more air if needed.

If your tires are showing signs of dry rot, get a new set from B&L Auto Diesel Tires & Alignment in Andrews, TX. In addition to tire work, they provide complete auto maintenance services such as oil changes and brake pad replacements. Their dedication to integrity and customer service has earned them an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau®. See their full list of services online, or call (432) 523-3480 to schedule an auto maintenance appointment.