My dry-rotted tires? (pictures)

[Basic]

Thanks for the helpful insight, Basic.

One more quick question - can this Ozone Cracking be slowed or stopped by using treatments? I've heard that treatments are ineffective, but then some manufacturers can come up with very compelling product marketing that makes it look like I can't live without buying their stuff.

It's a fantastic question Eggman. It actually struck me as odd, thinking about it as in my almost 20 years in the tire industry, I have never heard anyone mention "protectants" of any sort. I worked on a research team specifically looking at Ozone Cracking and not once was a protectant like this even discussed. I have to believe that the answer is ultimately no, or that it may help marginally but not measurably?

I will be at SEMA next week and will ask some questions and see what I can find out.

[MetroMPG]

the wax and oils in the rubber compound (mostly the wax) leach out of the rubber due to many factors (temperature swings, sunlight exposure, etc) but the most common reason as Loren and Darin mentioned is LACK OF EXERCISE. Tires are very much living creatures and need to move!

You read it here first, folks: keep your tires in the fridge, and walk them once a day!

[Wallythacker]

It's a fantastic question Eggman. It actually struck me as odd, thinking about it as in my almost 20 years in the tire industry, I have never heard anyone mention "protectants" of any sort. I worked on a research team specifically looking at Ozone Cracking and not once was a protectant like this even discussed. I have to believe that the answer is ultimately no, or that it may help marginally but not measurably?

I will be at SEMA next week and will ask some questions and see what I can find out.

Thank you for the great explanation. It's awesome having people with such diverse skills here. Me? I can more or less tell you how to fly a 767 straight and level. Hardly a useful in demand skill, I know.