It’s not an issue that many people think about, but tire dry rot is a severe problem. Tire dry rot occurs when the rubber in tires breaks down due to exposure to oxygen, sunlight, heat, or ozone. Depending on which part of the tire has been affected, your car could be at risk for dangerous conditions like hydroplaning. The good news is that there are 3 simple things you can actively do to prevent tire dry rot.

What Causes Dry Rot?

Tire dry rot can be prevented by understanding what causes it. One of the main reasons that tires suffer from “dry rot” is because they are left out in harsh weather conditions for too long without being moved or rotated to a shadier location. Leaving your car sitting under direct sunlight during hot days may cause damage and deterioration to your tires. For more on the causes of dry rot, read this.

How to Prevent Tire Dry Rot

1. Rotating Your Wheels to Prevent Tire Dry Rot

You can do many things to help prevent tire dry rot, including rotating your wheels on a regular schedule.

Not only does rotating your wheels add years to the life of your tire, but it keeps them in good condition throughout the year. Several benefits come from rotating your wheels, including preventing uneven wear on the tire treads. By keeping each of your tires from wearing down at different rates, you can prevent several problems such as heat and poor handling. In addition to that, it is essential for safety reasons to rotate your wheels often to keep the car balanced.

There are multiple ways to roate your tires…

By rotating them, you keep all the surfaces of the tire engaged and therefore help prevent them from dry rotting.

2. Inspecting Your Tires Regularly to Prevent Tire Dry Rot

If you notice any cracks or bulges in your tires, it is time to get them replaced. Damages are often caused by dry rot and can lead to tire blowouts which could cause injury. You can prevent dry rot, by making sure you replace the tires, before it sets in.

3. Using a Protectant To Prevent Tire Dry Rot

There are products that help keep away dry rot. These products are actually UV protectant and therefore help the tire displace the UV rays. This prevents cracking, fading and dry rot. Mots of these types of tire dressings can be wiped or sprayed on and will protect the tire for a few weeks before it needs to be reapplied.

Bolts & Nuts Rusting is a Sign of Dry Rot

Another sign of dry rot is if the bolts are holding your wheels on start rusting.  This is a sign of water and moisture entering the bolt holes. If you live in an area where heavy snowfall is, inspect your wheels more frequently. In areas where there is more moisture it will cause them to rust quickly.

The salt used on roads during the winter can also damage bolts and nuts over time if not cleaned off regularly.

Check the Condition of Your Spare Tire

One of the best ways to prevent dry rot is by storing your spare tire properly. If you have a full-size aluminum wheel as a spare, keep it in an area where temperatures are no lower than 20 degrees Fahrenheit and no higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal results. If you don’t own such a wheel (and most people today do not), you can get a small electric heater and mount it inside your spare tire compartment. This will keep the spare at optimal temperatures regardless of its storage location.

You’ll be glad you invested! You don’t have to overcomplicate things when it comes to tire care and maintenance. All it takes is a little knowledge on how to take care of them well, so they last. 

Check The Age of a Tire Before You Buy It

Dry rot can set in from lack of use. A tire that has been sitting around for years may begin dry rotting even it was never once used. You can check the age of a tire, by looking at the DOT code on the sidewall…

This is also critical if you are purchasing used tires. You may want to check the age of a used tire, because it may be more likely that it is already aged. In fact you should inspect it closely for dry rot before you even consider purchasing it.

Preventing Tire Dry Rot – Conclusion

As we are used tire blog, we see a lot of dry totted tires. You should never buy tires with any signs of dry rot and in fact never purchase a tire that is more then 6 years old. Driving on dry rotted rubber is dangerous and can cause blow outs. It is critical that you try and prevent tire dry rot, and more critical that when you see it you know its time to replace your tires.