I noticed that the tyres on our Mazda 5 have started to show signs of cracking on the outside set of treads & inbetween the outside set & the next ones in (on the fronts only - I think!)

Anyway, I'd only ever seen this type of 'damage' on really old tyres so I am concerned that it's a problem - does anyone know if this is normal or not?

It depends on how "OLD" the tyres are. The car is 18 months old but the tyres could be 2 years or more. Take it to a tyre fitter for there opinion.

HTH Simon.

Let me guess - are they Dunlops by any chance?

If so it is a common problem with them and yes they need to be changed - they could end up losing the tread blocks.

We had the same on our Octavia from new on Dunlop SP Sport 01A's and I won't be using Dunlops again...

Let me guess - are they Dunlops by any chance?

If so it is a common problem with them and yes they need to be changed - they could end up losing the tread blocks.

We had the same on our Octavia from new on Dunlop SP Sport 01A's and I won't be using Dunlops again...

certain Contis have the same problem, thats why i would never have them on a car of mine

Need to check - but yes, I think they are Dunlops...the car is 18 months old (well was regsistered 18 months ago !!!!) with only 6k on the clock - we are waiting to hear back from the dealer on a warranty claim on the alloys, all corroded already...am I likely to have any joy claiming for replacement tyres also? Otherwise it's not an expense I'd expect on a car this new/low mileage.

Edited 21 March, 201016 yr by harveys

I would have thought the dealer would claim the tyres are wear and tear but you could try Dunlop themselves...

Cracking isn't wear and tear and along with corroded alloys it sounds like the car was standing around for a while before you got it. Give the dealer a hard time. Don't tyres have the date on them these days? When we service caravans if they have cracked sidewalls or in the treads we would always say to replace them.

I forget which model, but some Bridgestones on a relatives are have lots of cracks all over the sidewall but loads of thread. They are 4 years old though.

I was thinking "Avons or Dunlops perchance?" too.

Cracking isn't wear and tear

Absolutely when it is between the tread blocks. On old tyres I'd expect to see some crazing and friability on the sidewalls but not at 18 months (I think most tyres now have a shelf life of 5 years??) - I just can't see the dealer being too proactive for what is a consumable.

However, I do seem to recall that someone on here had some luck with Dunlop direct (although this may have been via a dealer) and the cracking problem is fairly common knowledge on a number of forums...

Thanks for those replies folks - will speak to the dealer first (don't expect much joy - particularly as it's an Arnold Clark) - then Dunlop (need to check they are Dunlops first off !)

Edited 20 April, 201016 yr by harveys

11 posts (not counting the deleted one), 8 posters including the OP, so 4 of 7 replies mention Dunlop; enough said about them I think?

Speed humps are reducing the life of whatever tyres you use, but that's generally cracking on the inner walls.

The age of a tyre can be found by looking for the DOT code on the tyre wall .e.g.. if tyre has DOTXXXX 4907 , then the tyre was made in week 49 2007 , ( 1st week in December 2007).

Normal end of life time for commercial tyres is 6 years from manf.date.

Edited 22 March, 201016 yr by vwcabriolet1971

i believe its the UV light that will age the tyres prematurely, so if its been sat in the sun before it was sold

They are Dunlop SPSport 2050's - 205/50/R17 93V. I need to check for the date thing.

I am gutted as all 4 are affected - from what I can see the problem is on the inside & outside edge (not the sidewalls) - & into the first groove before the treadblocks.

I am defo going to approach the dealer first, then Dunlop - I am guessing that I am wasting my time even going to Mazda. Scared to check what it'll cost to replace all 4 if they won't entertain me.

Thanks for all the replies guys, shows this site is the place to be...I've had a total of zero replies to the same post made on a Mazda forum !!!!

I'll post some pics - so you can see the extent of the damage

This is bizzare, there must have been a compound problem with a certain batch of Dunlops around 2007-2008 with this cracking problem. My first set of Dunlop Sport 01's were absolutely fine right up to 45K miles - I put on another set because I liked them that much (& they were cheap) but again there's no sign of cracking & they are fine.

WTF?

How do i add pics to a thread?

This is bizzare, there must have been a compound problem with a certain batch of Dunlops around 2007-2008 with this cracking problem. My first set of Dunlop Sport 01's were absolutely fine right up to 45K miles - I put on another set because I liked them that much (& they were cheap) but again there's no sign of cracking & they are fine.

WTF?

Dunlops have been notorious for this problem (and wearing quick without actually being grippy) right back to the 1980s; I'd consider a ser that haven't cracked to be the exception.

How do i add pics to a thread?

Get a photo-hosting account, put the pics there, and insert links as images.

Some pics as promised.

http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy228/theharvey4/mazda%20tyres%20cracking/DSC01637.jpg

http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy228/theharvey4/mazda%20tyres%20cracking/DSC01631.jpg

http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy228/theharvey4/mazda%20tyres%20cracking/DSC01630.jpg

http://i794.photobucket.com/albums/yy228/theharvey4/mazda%20tyres%20cracking/DSC01627.jpg

I called the dealer today & despite assurances that they would call me back, as the 'service manager' was unavailable at the time...yes, you guessed it, they didn't bother ! I asked for the Service Manager by name (as we've sat in his office before !)...but various smokescreens ensured I didn't get to him. Maybe a personal visit will be required !

The 17" Dunlop SP2050's are £121.48 a pop on Blackcircles - so that's almost £500 for 4 tyres !!! I certainly don't plan on paying for those on a car with 6k on the clock over 18 months !

did you not spot the tyre date code when you were taking the pics, as they do look like old tyres to me

did you not spot the tyre date code when you were taking the pics, as they do look like old tyres to me

Had this once on last car - fronts put on rear - get rid - only takes one blow-out for Briskoda to loose a member - not worth the cost ,is it

Those pics aren't the worst I've seen (we had carcass showing... :( but they do need changing.

I'll bet the dealer will want nothing to do with it, but these are far from the first set of Dunlops I've seen like that.

I took the pics earlier - just didn't know how to load them to the site. I'll have a look for the date code tonight.

Still waiting for the dealer to phone back (that's the usual standard from them tho'). Will call them again this afternoon & if need be will go in past - face to face is sometimes better !