Tyres with damages. Are they still ok?

[Exp21]

Hi everyone! Yesterday I picked up my summer tyres and I found this strange issue: the internal edges are ruined with these little cracks (I found them on 3 tyres out of 4). Tyres have 4 years and a half but the remaining wear is about 60%, so I thought I could use them for another year (there are no little cracks or other problems). Is there someone who could please tell me if they are still ok or not? Thank you very much for your help

 

[LostKiwi]

Pictures?

 

[Exp21]

Sorry, I uploaded them now

 

[brandwooddixon]

Is that on the beading edge?
What state is the side wall and tread area in - any signs of cracks in the rubber?

I think that the bead edge just helps to form a seal and that the main strength is in a thicker belt that abuts the rim, but I couldn't say not being a tyre expert.

 

[Exp21]

Thank you for replying! . Yes it's the edge you indicated. I also think that the beading edge has a marginal sealing role, probably those cracks were made by mechanics mounting/unmounting them. The tread area is fine, no small cracks, wear is even, rubber is still fine. But I will have to make some very long trips so I'd like to drive safely. Let's see if someone expert in tyres can tell us anything

 

[Wighty]

Thank you for replying! . Yes it's the edge you indicated. I also think that the beading edge has a marginal sealing role, probably those cracks were made by mechanics mounting/unmounting them. The tread area is fine, no small cracks, wear is even, rubber is still fine. But I will have to make some very long trips so I'd like to drive safely. Let's see if someone expert in tyres can tell us anything

What age is the tyre date on the sidewall ?
Could it be rodent damage

 

[Exp21]

Hi! I didn't think about it, they are 4 and a half years old, but I keep them in a small and "safe" place. I will surely check for evidences of rodents. Anyway to me, observing other points with the same issues, seems that rubber had initially little cracks that then detached breaking into little pieces when mounted or carried around with traumas. Thanks for replying, I'll try to figure it out

 

[Wighty]

Hi! I didn't think about it, they are 4 and a half years old, but I keep them in a small and "safe" place. I will surely check for evidences of rodents. Anyway to me, observing other points with the same issues, seems that rubber had initially little cracks that then detached breaking into little pieces when mounted or carried around with traumas. Thanks for replying, I'll try to figure it out

Are they a decent make buddy , or some Chinese ditchfinders ?

 

[Exp21]

Ah, nothing serious, Barum Bravuris, cheap tyres. But I just changed tyres and rims on my other Merc, spending a fortune these have a 60% tread remaining I hoped to use them a year. Anyway doesn't matter, I'll buy a new set. Thanks again buddy

 

[LostKiwi]

Looks like mounting and unmounting damage to me. Take them to your tyre fitter and ask his opinion.
I'd say they should be ok as long as they still seal properly.

 

[John Laidlaw]

You didn’t have gaffa tape or similar around them did you by any chance ?

 

[A.J.]

Looks like they will probably seal OK, just a strange place for that type of damage to occur

 

[Exp21]

@John sorry my english is not perfect, if I understand your question right, I didn't put any tape ever, thank you
@AJD Thank you, I think the same too. I'll try to figure it out

 

[Blobcat]

Looks a bit like overspray from a quick wheel refurb

 

[Exp21]

It could be, years ago a dealer repainted my wheels, probably with tyres still on. A really good quality job XD

 

[LostKiwi]

Looks a bit like overspray from a quick wheel refurb

Looks more like it's lifted the paint off the bead to me.

 

[Bubble]

That damage has been caused by the tyres being removed and refitted again. Not necessarily the tyre fitters fault, as rubber ages and gets harder and then isn't as pliable and splits.

That bead is 100% where the airtight seal is.

Personally I wouldn't risk my life trying to use those tyres again, as a sudden deflation can be rather exciting!

 

[Exp21]

@Bubble: thank you very much, seen the age of the tyres, at this point I'll change them. Have a nice day

 

[Blobcat]

Personally I wouldn't risk my life trying to use those tyres again, as a sudden deflation can be rather exciting!

It is, but you’re never more alive than when it happens

 

[Bubble]

It is, but you’re never more alive than when it happens

I had it happen on an already wobbly Sierra estate many years ago. Doing 80 in the "fast"lane trying to get to the hard shoulder certainly woke me up. I swear a bit of poo came out