ChipsAway talks tyre cracks

The van based franchise recently shared a blog post with its customers all about tyres and the potential danger that a cracked tyre can pose a driver.

ChipsAway began by reminding customers that regular tyre checks are extremely important, helping drivers to maintain both a high level of road safety and a car in good condition. Tread depth and pressure must also be paid attention to alongside potential cracks, said the van based franchise, before answering each of the following questions:

• Are cracks normal? - “Very small cracks are usually a sign of wear and tear, and not dangerous. Be on the lookout for bigger and thicker cracks!”

• Are sidewall cracks safe? - “No, they aren’t. They’re often an indicator of your tyre wearing out and aging.”

• Are tyres with lots of treads safe? - “No, not necessarily. When thinking about whether your tyre needs replacing, take into consideration the tyre’s age and its general overall condition.”

ChipsAway also took the time to explain what, exactly, causes a tyre crack. The franchise said, “The outer rubber wall of your tyre is constructed of polymers that are bound together to form molecules. So, cracks can form when the molecules break down. This can happen for a number of reasons including age, exposure to water, tyre pressure, degrading material and exposure to extreme temperature or UV rays.”

ChipsAway continued, “Once this happens, polymers within the tyre will expand when exposed to heat, and contract during cold weather. Over time, this will weaken the different bonds and elements. On top of this, water can also cause small and large cracks - meaning that driving on wet roads for long periods of time can result in permanent damage. Lastly, tyre pressure can be an issue - as if it’s not correct, your tyres can be under or over pressurised, resulting in cracks.” Find out more about a potential investment with this expert franchise via its profile page, linked above.