Sidwall Cracks

[MoneyJohn]

I have exactly similar (worse actually) on my tires and the mechanic mentioned, its the 'rot'. He claimed that the brine during winter is partly to blame, it just helps rot tires faster. Almost 5 years since mfg. According to him, I need to change the tired before the winter sets in.
They are not Michelin though

 

[Traction]

Originally Posted by Reddy45
The cracks you see are not necessarily on the same surface that holds in the air. Tires are composed of an inner and outer layer.

An excellent example of tire construction! It is only a part of the round, and black tire picture puzzle though.

 

[zeng]

Originally Posted by Reddy45
The cracks you see are not necessarily on the same surface that holds in the air. Tires are composed of an inner and outer layer.

Great picture, Reddy.
The cracks at bead/sidewall on OP tire may allow moisture to penetrate, given time it will, coming into contact with steel belt/ply adjacent to it killing the structural (strength) part of complete tire assembly, leading to eventual tire burst.
This is obviously a manufacturing defect, and not wear and tear as claimed by Pepboys.
Michelin Malaysia would cover this defects for 6 years, not sure if it refers to post manufacturing date.

Edit:Similar cracks on tread would be harmless and is not considered as manufacturing defects.

 

[wrcsixeight]

Originally Posted by zzyzzx
Originally Posted by wrcsixeight
I had some tires I thought just turned 5, but just turned 6 years old, try and kill me when driving the 395 in August'18.

These had no sidewall cracks, but 3 of 4 grew in diameter by about 1.5 inches, narrowed by about 1 inch, and the tread was rounded like one sees on some ATV tires. One tire was grossly out of round too..........


Chinese tires?


Korean

 

[Nick1994]

That ain't nothin'. Try having Michelins and check back in 2 years.

Here was my grandma's 2 year old $1,000+ set of Michelins:

 

[geeman789]

Looks well baked ... sunny side by chance ?

 

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted by Nick1994
That ain't nothin'. Try having Michelins and check back in 2 years.

Here was my grandma's 2 year old $1,000+ set of Michelins:

Looks about right for Michelins.

 

[Gipple]

To my untrained eye, I'd say that was dry rot.
When new, drench the entire tire in 303 protectant and let sit without wiping. You can YouTube it. Supposed to do a good job of preventing cracking.

 

[Lubener]

Originally Posted by ragtoplvr
Biodegradable tires?

You have air in them?

Rod

Wouldn't be surprised if those were Michelins or Coopers.