Protect Your Tires from Dry Rotting
Your tires are one of the most critical parts of your vehicle. They’re the only part of the car that touches the road and you rely on them to maintain traction and the ability to stop in emergency situations. You also don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road because of a blow-out. However, many drivers neglect their tires and end up paying more in the long run. One commonly overlooked issue is dry rotting tires.
What is dry rot?
Dry rot is when a tire begins to crack. The cracks may seem small and insignificant but they are a surefire sign that it is time to have your tires replaced. Tires with dry rot are much more likely to fail and can cause an accident. This happens for a large number of reasons including excessive UV damage, improper tire pressures, and not driving the vehicle often. It also happens naturally with age. As your tires get older, they are more likely to develop dry rot. That’s why, even if you don’t drive much, it’s important to have your tires inspected regularly for issues.
How to prevent dry rot
There are ways to prolong the life of your tires and prevent dry rot. Park out of the sun whenever possible. UV rays, especially in the summer, can be damaging to tires. Parking in a garage is very helpful, but even just using a car cover can save your tires from being exposed to the elements. Cleaning and protecting your tires can also prolong their life. Use a mild detergent and water to remove any chemicals you may have picked up while driving. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly and avoid any petroleum-based cleaners or protectants, as these chemicals can do more harm than good. Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure specified by the manufacturer, and check them often to ensure that they’re always at the correct pressure.
If you’re not driving often…
It’s especially important to take extra steps to protect your tires from dry rotting if you don’t plan to drive much. Park the car out of the sun and put it on jack stands if you plan to store it. Removing the vehicle’s weight from the tires can prevent more than just dry rot (like flat spots). Keep the tires clean and drive the car at least once a month to move the weight of the car around on the tires.
It’s important to take the extra steps to prevent dry rotting on your tires, as it will prolong the life of your tires and keep you safe on the road. If you’ve noticed that your tires are dry rotted, schedule an appointment with the Mercedes-Benz of Annapolis service team to have them inspected. Your safety is important to us and we want to help you get the most out of your tires.