VW Golf TDI - Far outside edge tyre cracking (not side walls)

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Tue 26 Apr 2022 17:55
VW Golf TDI - Far outside edge tyre cracking (not side walls) - K21000

I am using Goodyear Efficientgrip Performance 2 tyres on my old MK5 Golf TDI. I have been very impressed with the performance, noise and wear compared to previous brands eg Pirelli P7 Cinturato and Michelin Energy Savers. They have lots of tread left all over and are wearing evenly and are under 3 years old, but they are starting to crack on the very outer edge. The car is used daily. Is this normal?

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Tue 26 Apr 2022 18:14
VW Golf TDI - Far outside edge tyre cracking (not side walls) - Xileno

Some superficial cracking can occur as a tyre ages, some makes seem more prone than others. It is impossible to advise over the internet, if you are in any doubt with a safety component then you should seek a professional visual opinion.

How old are they? The four digit code will be on the side of the tyre.

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Tue 26 Apr 2022 20:31
VW Golf TDI - Far outside edge tyre cracking (not side walls) - John F

They are apparently three years old.

The only tyres I ever remember getting crackly were some Goodyears as well. But it is most unlikely to extend significantly towards the interior. Anyway, there's hardly any pressure at all in them compared to a far thinner bicycle tyre so if they pass the MoT I wouldn't be concerned. Mine lasted for twenty years.

Edited by John F on 26/04/2022 at 20:33

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Tue 26 Apr 2022 22:27
VW Golf TDI - Far outside edge tyre cracking (not side walls) - bathtub tom

They are apparently three years old.

The OP states they're under three years old. Presumably that's when they bought them, but we don't know how long ago they were manufactured. We need the DOT code off the sidewall.

Edited by bathtub tom on 26/04/2022 at 22:29

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Tue 26 Apr 2022 22:37
VW Golf TDI - Far outside edge tyre cracking (not side walls) - Energyman
I would suggest you contact the tech department at Goodyear in Birmingham, their email is on their website.
It would be useful to include photos of the cracks and as stated before the date stamp on the tyre.
I have dealt with Michelin before who were very helpful, you may even get an appropriate contribution if applicable.
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Wed 27 Apr 2022 11:47
VW Golf TDI - Far outside edge tyre cracking (not side walls) - Andrew-T

They are apparently three years old. The only tyres I ever remember getting crackly were some Goodyears as well.

The 6-year-old Avons (made in Serbia) show cracking in the sipes enough to trigger an advisory at a recent MoT. There is still about 4mm of tread. I don't think my previous Avons (made in UK I think) would have been the same. I guess formulations must evolve to cope with heavier cars and lower profiles - there's a trade-off between all the parameters.

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