hairline cracks on new Michelins

[juanclos]

Has anyone seen hairline cracks on your tires? I bought my 06 two weeks ago but it has been at the dealer for a few months. From the mileage (12) I could tell when I bought it that it hardly moved from where they parked it. I believe the cracks are from sitting since all 4 tires have it and at the exact same rotational location.

Any thoughts?

[rtpjunior]

I have an early 06 with 17K miles on it. I have seen some small cracks right where the tires meet the rim. Anyone else ????

[gonzo's rt]

All tires do that. It will not affect performance nor its a defect. But if it will make you feel better, take them to a Michelin tire dealer, they are the ones guaranteeing the tires.

[Coach19]

Have not been looking for cracks, had not noticed any, but will be looking more closely - thanks for the info

[juanclos]

Originally Posted by gonzo's rt

All tires do that. It will not affect performance nor its a defect. But if it will make you feel better, take them to a Michelin tire dealer, they are the ones guaranteeing the tires.

Hey gonzo, I've had off and on road cars for years and have never had any cracks on my tires right at the tread and sidewall. That is why they make covers for RV tires, so the sun doesn't dry them out when sitting for a long time. A normal tire that is always in motion should not crack like that, especially when brand new.

But you may be right, about your experience, in California, all of the oversize or low profile tires I've ever used have not shown this.

Take care.

P.S. You're right, I will be going to my Michelin dealer locally.

[MikeT]

The only time I've seen hairline cracks in tires was when the tires were exposed to chemicals or UV rays for too long. When you see the crack, it's time to have them replaced.

[Tim1954Tinman]

No cracks or problems with my Ridgeline tires, but back in 1975??, I think, I had a Ford Grand Torino that had the top of the line Firestone 500?? tires on it. I noticed a small slit in the sidewall and didn't think much of it. I went on a 2 hour trip at 70 mph and when I got there the small slit had gone almost all the way around the sidewall. When I got back home I took them to the Firestone dealer and once he got the car up on the lift, he came and got me to show me that the tire was completely slit all the way around the sidewall on the inside, and there was more than one tire defective. To finally correct the problem, they kept replacing tires till I finally got a set that did not split like that. In time they had to replace 5 tires. Needless to say, I have not purchased any Firestone tires since.