KO2 Sidewall Cracking

[Bobohunter1776]

Noticed a bunch of cracking on the sidewall of my front left tire today. They're well within their life expectancy so really not sure what to think. It seems like it's a pretty common thing. Anyone else ever had this with KO2s and is it something I need to worry about?

 

[SSTJ]

Do you mean life expectancy in miles or in years?

Edit: I would guess that those are relatively low-mileage but past their lifespan in years. Had the same happen to me.

 

[williambmac]

whats the last 4 digits of the DOT #?

 

[Dr. Internet]

I had to replace mine at the 10 year anniversary. Still had lots of tread.

 

[Bobohunter1776]

They're just over 3 years old with just over 16k miles on them. Last 4 of the DOT # is 0719.

 

[SSTJ]

Wow, well I'm stumped. Eager to hear what others have to say.

 

[ColoJeep]

They're just over 3 years old with just over 16k miles on them. Last 4 of the DOT # is 0719.

Where were they manufactured?

 

[sab]

Tire guys call that "weather checking," which is due to the rubber breaking down and losing elasticity. It happens to all tires eventually. Excessive sunlight or exposure to ozone (generated by electric motors) can accelerate it. You mentioned only one tire has the problem. Was your Jeep parked with that tire in direct sunlight for a long time? Was the Jeep parked with the tire close to an electric motor that runs often?

 

[TheBoogieman]

We have 85-98% humidity in the summer months. These are my 10 year old (30,000 miles) Mickey Thompson tires. Slight cracking at the tread only.

 

[Bobohunter1776]

Was your Jeep parked with that tire in direct sunlight for a long time?

Last spring and summer it was pretty much exclusively parked in the shade under our deck and we get basically no direct sun during the fall and winter so not that I can think of. No electric motors by it though.

 

[Bobohunter1776]

We have 85-98% humidity in the summer months. These are my 10 year old (30,000 miles) Mickey Thompson tires. Slight cracking at the tread only.
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I'm thinking I'm gonna get Mickey Thompsons next. They seem like they're worth the money. But we definitely don't average anywhere near 85% humidity in the summer.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Excessive sunlight or exposure to ozone (generated by electric motors) can accelerate it.

Ozone is also a natural big part of our atmosphere.

 

[sab]

Ozone is also a natural big part of our atmosphere.

Yes, but I don't think his TJ spends much time at that altitude!

 

[JKP]

No idea why yours looks that way this soon. That tire looks like my BFG MTs did at 10 yrs old.

 

[Bobohunter1776]

Where were they manufactured?

The Woodburn, Indiana plant I believe.

 

[Bobohunter1776]

I guess my question now is, is it good to drive on for at least a few more months? New tires aren't really in my budget currently and I was hoping on waiting until I had the cash for 33s and to regear.

 

[JKP]

If you bought them new, I would contact BFG. It's strange it's only the one tire.

 

[Bobohunter1776]

If you bought them new, I would contact BFG. It's strange it's only the one tire.

They're still under warranty but my cousin was the one who bought them before I bought the Jeep from him. I've got the receipt for them but I'm sure BFG will find some way to screw me over with that. I don't think I'm gonna be getting K02s again though.

 

[bucky]

My K02s show 22nd week of 18 and still look new. I bought the jeep in early 21 from Co.
Funny thing, there is a Costco sticker saying the were installed at 114842 but my odometer is at 112467.

 

[nk24]

My K02s show 22nd week of 18 and still look new. I bought the jeep in early 21 from Co.
Funny thing, there is a Costco sticker saying the were installed at 114842 but my odometer is at 112467.

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That number indicates when you're supposed to rotate them next.