Tread Is Not the Whole Story
Most drivers judge a tire by its tread, and tread matters. But a tire can have plenty of tread left and still be unsafe if it is too old. Rubber degrades with time and exposure, and Sacramento’s intense sun and heat accelerate that aging. The result is dry rot, and it can cause a tire to fail even though it looks barely used. Here is what every California driver should know.
What Is Dry Rot?
Dry rot is the breakdown of the rubber compounds in a tire as it ages and is exposed to heat, sunlight, and ozone. The oils that keep rubber flexible dry out, and the tire becomes brittle. You can see it as fine cracks in the sidewall and between the tread blocks. Once dry rot sets in, the tire’s structural integrity is compromised, and it can crack, leak, or fail.
Why California Is Especially Hard on Tires
Sacramento’s long, hot, sunny summers are tough on rubber. Cars parked outside bake in UV and heat day after day, which speeds up the aging process. A tire that might last a decade in a mild, shaded climate can show dry rot much sooner here, especially on a vehicle that is parked outside or driven infrequently.
Pro Tip: Low-mileage vehicles are often the worst offenders. A weekend car or a second vehicle can have tires that look new in tread but are dangerously old and dry-rotted. Age matters as much as miles.
How to Read Your Tire’s Age
Every tire has a DOT code on the sidewall ending in a four-digit number. The first two digits are the week and the last two are the year of manufacture, so a code ending in 3122 means the 31st week of 2022. Most tire makers recommend replacing tires around six years from that date and consider ten years an absolute maximum, regardless of tread.
What to Do
- Check the age of your tires, especially on older or low-mileage vehicles
- Inspect for fine cracking in the sidewall and tread grooves
- Park in shade or a garage when possible to slow aging
- Replace tires that are aged or showing dry rot, even with tread remaining
Get Your Tires Checked at Tire Geeks
Not sure how old your tires are or whether that cracking is a problem? Bring your vehicle to 3020 Florin Rd or 2245 Arden Way, or call (916) 800-8786. We will read the age, inspect for dry rot, and tell you honestly if you are safe.
