[ "What are dry rotten tyres?If you believe that your tyres are damaged, or see any signs of uneven wear or cracks, you should visit your nearest mechanic to receive professional help. All tyres age, even if you take special care of them. Ideally, they can last up to nine years, but handling, exposure and use will accelerate ageing, shortening their lifespan. If your tyre dry rots, all the other components, the sidewalls, tread, bead wire, and belts may separate. Sidewall blowout or tread separation, while you are driving at high speeds, could end up in an accident.Closely examined, sidewall weathering is easily perceptible and can take the next forms:Cracks in the sidewall: cracks are visible and can extend to bigger areas.Breakable Appearance: the rubber will look harder than usual, damaging the rest of your tyre.Discolouration: colours will fade or look grey.Cracks in the tread: this only occurs in more advanced weathering.What exactly causes sidewall weatheringThe weathering that can be visually evident usually happens when the compounds in your tyres wear down. As with any other product, there will always be a normal degradation after some use, time and contact with a hostile environmental condition or outside elements. The rubber used in your tyres will begin wearing quicker, which can lead to cuts and cracking.There are several causes of premature sidewall weathering:Low air pressure in your tyres.Extreme exposure to UV rays.Storing your tyres at high temperatures or close to battery chargers, electric motors, welding equipment, generators, and other sources.How to avoid sidewall weatheringOnce deterioration is very noticeable, the best option is to exchange your tyres before further damage is done. Follow proper maintenance and care to prolong the lifespan of your tyres.Do not park in the sunlightExtreme exposure to solar rays, especially in warmer climates, can be a cause of early sidewall weathering. Experts advise to park your car in a shaded and avoid exposing your car to excessive sunlight and heat. If you have to park and there are no shadows nearby, you can cover your car and tyres.Regular InspectionsExamine the tread and sidewalls of your tyre at least once a month to monitor its overall condition, especially look for any sign of discolouration, cracks, wear, bulges or any other unnatural blemish.Protecting and cleaningYou just need to clean your vehicle monthly using water, a washcloth and soap. Water-based products do not have any additional substances that could impact or damage your tyres materials and compounds. After washing them with soap, rinse using warm water.Proper inflationDriving with over or underinflated tyres is the main cause of tyre damage and failure. When your tyres are not properly inflated, there will be extra wear, which generates unnecessary heat, resulting in component separation, tyre failure and cracking. Tyres need to be inflated following the recommended levels of air. If sidewall weathering or cracking is evident, keeping your tyres properly inflated is the most significant thing anyone can do to maximize the overall performance of your tyres.Avoid harmful chemicalsIf you want to use different types of tyre cleaning products, first you need to read all the product labels to learn what other elements are included. Avoid any petroleum-based product, as they can lead to cracking.OverloadingEach tyre is made specifically to fit a certain type of car and has a suggested load capacity. This is the weight of your car plus any additional weight. Adding extra weight will add too much tension on your tyres, causing cracking and tyre failure. If you want to learn your vehicle and tyres load limits, you can consult your cars manual.Tyre storageIt is suggested to follow appropriate guidelines when it comes to storing your tyres. The best method is to keep your tyres store and mounted on hooks.To help prevent sidewall weathering you just need to follow the recommendations above. If sidewall weathering or cracks start appearing, contact your mechanic for an evaluation." ]