When we think of dry rot, we tend to picture deteriorating sections of wood along our homes. But, believe it or not, dry rot can affect parts of our vehicles as well—namely, our tires. Dry rot causes tires to weaken over time and makes them less effective at withstanding the stress of the road. Read on to gain an understanding of why tire dry rot happens and what you can do to prevent it.

What Is Tire Dry Rot?

Dry rot, as it appears on tires, are sections of hard, brittle rubber that are often grayish in color. When tires begin to deteriorate, the oils from the compound evaporate and the rubber hardens. If you don’t address this, your tires could completely dry out. Rotted tires have lost all of their flexibility—affecting their ability to maintain traction with the road.

Common Causes of Tire Dry Rot

To truly understand why tire dry rot happens, it’s important to learn of its direct causes. This form of damage results from several factors, but the most prominent has to do with low tire pressure. When you don’t inflate tires properly, they begin sustaining damage at a much faster pace. This can lead to the onset of rot, which can quickly spread to the rest of the tire. Prolonged exposure to high heat and a lack of use can also result in dry rot. This is because, in these conditions, your tires release their essential oils more rapidly. The best way to prevent tire rot is to keep up with tire maintenance and to store the vehicle in a protected, climate-controlled area if you won’t be driving. If you notice that your car’s tires are suffering from dry rot, it’s important that you get them replaced before they fail. Reach out to RNR Tire Express to explore our selection. All of our tires in Chattanooga, TN, are made to last—and supplied by some of the top tire manufacturers in the business. You can rest assured that you can rely on them for years to come.