Published on: Monday, September 25, 2023 Last updated on: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Tire dry rot is the deterioration of the rubber in a tire that occurs due to external factors, including exposure to sunlight, extreme weather conditions, and aging. Dry rot manifests through cracks in rubber, brittleness, and overall weakening, posing a safety hazard due to the risk of tire failure and blowouts. NHTSA recommends tire replacement when symptoms of dry rot, such as brittle sidewalls and hard texture, appear.