Tire sidewall cracking

[Red]

My tires were manufactured in the 48th week of 2008 and have approximately 6/32 tread left.

Just wondering if the cracking along the side wall near the wheel is an issue? there is also a crack inside the tread around the whole circumference of the tire.

Is this the kind of thing that is not too much of an issue unless you are driving highway speeds through the mountains or hauling a load? but should be fine around the city for awhile. I'm not sure how long they have been like that. the two front tires are newer, they are made in 2010 and have about 9/32 left with no cracking. so its just the two rear tires.

I've seen worse pictures on the internet of tire cracking, just curious if anyone has had an issue with tires like this in the past, any blowouts or anything like that?

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

That's dry rot. I'd get them changed ASAP, my cousins had a blowout driving about 35 or 40 MPH in the city in their Sequoia. I had it on my old tires, and bought a set of used ones until I can afford some BFG's, and if that's what it takes then so be it, it isn't worth your safety.

 

[Red]

Looks like I should plan on getting new tires in the next few months, definitely before I go on any major road trips this summer.

between tires and my timing belt maintenance coming up, its going to be a doozy on the ol' bank account.

Good news is I get to finally buy new tires, hopefully I can sell the two good ones on the front.

 

[fourwd1]

Yeah, def dry rot. Between the ozone and UV rays of the sun, puts a hurtin on tires.

 

[WXman]

Personally, that doesn't look severe to me at all. I'd drive on those another year at least.

 

[JB.]

Since you're soliciting internet opinion...

The cracking looks to me like a surface phenomenon and the tire is very thick and reinforced in that area.

Personally, based only on the pics and given that the tread is 6/32 and they're a little more than 4 years old, I wouldn't hesitate to take the tires to end of tread life or a couple of years -- whichever came first.

With the conflicting advice I'm guessing you won't be able to let it rest, so just take them to a few tire professionals for evaluation (the more the better to get an average that hopefully weeds out sellers bias or incompetence)

 

[truc.karl]

To me, the crack doesn't seem to be too bad. But if it bothers you and you have budget, why not get a new set of tires?