If your tires look cracked, faded, or are losing air, they may have dry rot. Here’s how to spot it, what causes it, and where to get a free professional safety check.
Look for these signs during a quick visual check: - Sidewall cracking and dry, brittle spots near the sidewall and across the outer tread - Faded coloring (healthy rubber should look dark) - Low or recurring air pressure
Also check for unusual tire wear patterns, hairline cracks, or pliable chunks of rubber coming off the sidewall. Your tire’s age matters, too—learn how to read the tire date code and understand tire aging. If you’re unsure, Discount Tire offers free tire inspection services.
Common causes include: - Age: Rubber compounds break down over time. - Weather and driving conditions: Heat, cold, direct sunlight, and harsh chemicals accelerate cracking. - Infrequent use: Regular driving helps keep rubber pliable. - Improper storage: Exposure to heat, cold, or UV can speed up aging. See how to store tires properly. - Incorrect air pressure: Both over- and under-inflation degrade rubber. Learn about proper tire pressure. - UV light: Ultraviolet radiation breaks down rubber compounds.
Discount Tire does not recommend driving on tires with dry rot. Cracking compromises structural integrity and can lead to: - Tread separation while driving - Air loss or persistent low pressure - Blowouts
According to the NHTSA, there are nearly 11,000 tire-related crashes annually in the U.S., and in 2022, 562 people died due to tire-related accidents. A 2012 NHTSA study found that nine percent (189,917) of 2,188,970 crashes were “tire-related.”
If you see signs of dry rot, replace your tires as soon as possible. Once cracking begins, it cannot be reversed.
No. Dry rot indicates the rubber has dried, become brittle, and cracked—this process can’t be undone. Replacement is the only safe option. Depending on tire age and condition, you may be eligible for warranty coverage.
How long it takes to dry rot varies by climate and storage. Dry, arid climates can see rot in as little as five years; humid areas often see slower degradation. Routine tire maintenance services—including tire rotations, rebalancing, and air pressure checks—help extend tire life and delay dry rot.
If your tires need replacing, browse our full selection—every tire is backed by our Low Price Promise. You can shop tires and see current deals and promotions.
For more tire safety tips, see when to replace your tires and our guide to tire safety.