Motorcycle tires are essential for any motorcycle, providing the necessary grip and stability for safe riding. However, even with proper maintenance, it’s common for motorcycle tires to crack over time, but why?
Motorcycle tires can crack for several reasons, including too much sun and ultraviolet light, underinflation, neglect, or chemicals. Cracked sidewalls are dangerous enough in a car but can be deadly on a motorcycle.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the various causes of motorcycle tire cracking and discuss ways to prevent it.
Understanding the reasons behind tire cracking is important for all motorcycle owners, as it can help extend the lifespan of their tires and ensure their safety on the road.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Tire Cracking
Age and wear:
As mentioned, tires naturally degrade over time and become more prone to cracking as they are used.
In addition, the rubber in tires is subjected to various forces and conditions while in use, including the motorcycle and rider’s weight, the road’s surface, and the weather.
All of these factors contribute to wear and tear on the tire, which can ultimately lead to cracks forming on the surface.
A few factors can affect the rate at which tires wear and become prone to cracking. For example, tires used on rough or uneven surfaces may experience more wear and tear than those used on smooth roads.
Tires frequently subjected to high speeds or sharp turns may also experience more wear. Additionally, the type of tire (e.g., touring, sport, off-road) can impact its durability and lifespan.
Motorcycle owners must be aware of the age and wear on their tires, which can help them identify when it may be time to replace them.
Ignoring the signs of wear and continuing to use tires past their prime can increase the risk of cracks forming and potentially lead to a dangerous blowout.
Exposure to sunlight:
UV radiation is a major contributor to the breakdown and cracking of motorcycle tires. When tires are exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, the UV radiation can cause the rubber to break down and become more prone to cracking.
There are a few ways that motorcycle owners can protect their tires from excess exposure to sunlight.
One option is to store the motorcycle in a garage or other covered area, which will help to shield the tires from direct sunlight.
If the motorcycle must be stored outside, a tire cover can be used to provide additional protection.
Tire covers are designed to fit over the tires and block out UV radiation, helping to extend the lifespan of the tires.
It’s also important to be mindful of how the motorcycle is parked. If the tires are facing directly toward the sun, they may be subjected to more UV radiation than if parked in a way that shields them from direct sunlight.
By taking steps to protect the tires from excess UV exposure, motorcycle owners can help to prevent cracking and extend the lifespan of their tires.
Incorrect inflation:
Proper tire inflation is essential for the safety and performance of a motorcycle. Tires over or under-inflated can be more prone to cracking due to the excess stress placed on the sidewalls.
When tires are overinflated, they are subjected to excessive pressure on the sidewalls, which can cause them to become stiff and prone to cracking.
On the other hand, underinflated tires will experience more stress on the center of the tread, which can also lead to cracking.
To prevent tire cracking due to incorrect inflation, it’s important for motorcycle owners to regularly check the tire pressure and maintain the manufacturer’s recommended inflation levels. This can be done with a simple tire pressure gauge, which can be purchased at most auto parts stores.
By keeping the tires properly inflated, motorcycle owners can help to extend their lifespan and reduce the risk of cracks forming.
Improper storage:
In addition to the factors mentioned above, how a motorcycle and its tires are stored can also affect the risk of tire cracking.
For example, tires that are stored in a way that exposes them to extreme temperatures or damaging chemicals can be more prone to cracking.
For example, storing a motorcycle in a garage with a leaky roof that allows water to seep in could lead to the rubber in the tires breaking down and cracking.
Similarly, storing a motorcycle in an area with extreme temperatures (e.g., a hot, sunny garage or a cold, damp basement) can also cause the tires to crack.
Chemicals can also be a factor in tire cracking. For example, if tires are stored in an area with chemicals that can damage the rubber (e.g., gasoline, oil, solvents), they may be more prone to cracking.
To prevent tire cracking when not stored correctly, motorcycle owners must store their motorcycles in a dry, well-ventilated area with moderate temperatures.
Avoiding exposure to damaging chemicals and extreme temperatures can help extend the tires’ lifespan and reduce the risk of cracking.
In Conclusion
Motorcycle tire cracking can be caused by various factors, including age and wear, exposure to sunlight, incorrect inflation, and improper storage.
Understanding the causes of tire cracking is important for all motorcycle owners, as it can help them take steps to prevent it and extend the lifespan of their tires.
Regularly checking tire pressure, protecting tires from UV radiation and other damaging elements, and storing tires properly can all help to reduce the risk of tire cracking and ensure the safety of the motorcycle on the road.
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