These tires have around 8-9k of miles on them, one track event, and now recently are showing cracking where the tread blocks meet the sidewall. The rear tires are fine, only the fronts are showing this. Is this something I need to be worried about?

Sorry for the bad pics, iphone FTL

 

I don't recall seeing my old KDW's do that to me. If they did, I didn't pay any attention.

Since you have noticed it, it would'nt hurt to contact the dealer you bought them from or BF Goodrich directly and ask them.

 

bump

 

This is the only reference I've come across regarding the cracking idea.

http://www.epinions.com/review/BF_Go...t_246402158212

Have you contacted the dealer?

 

that doesn't look like a crack, looks like a cut from rubbing your fender lip..

 

The tires don't even come close to the fender. Definitely not a cut.

 

I don't think mine had that I have almost 15k miles on them and 3 track events. They are on my friends car and he won't be home till Friday but I will let you know if mine have it.

 

mine only have about 3000 miles...so i cant really say. In for more info..

 

I just got back from Discount Tire, and they said they are fine and that is normal? I find that odd.

 

Contact BF Goodrich directly if you question them.

The quality of your pictures is not very clear. It seems that the crack is more of a surface cut than anything and also doesn't appear to go into the grooves of the tread.

 

I did. And here is what they said.

We are sorry to hear that you are having issues with your tires.

The use of sidewall dressings can cause cracking and also the ozone can
cause sidewall.

The first step for warranty consideration is to have the tires inspected by
an authorized BFGoodrich tire dealer. Please have the tire dealer call us
with the inspection while you are there. Any Discount Tire or Sears that
has an automotive center is authorized to inspect our tires.

We look forward to working with your tire dealer to resolve your tire
issues.

It is our goal to ensure that your issue has been resolved or your question
answered to your satisfaction. If we can assist you further, please respond
to this email or call us at 1-877-788-8899 (toll free) between 8:00AM and
8:00PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday or between 9:00AM and 5:00PM
Eastern Time on Saturday.

 

Hmm...

How deep is the crack or cut? Is it just on the surface?

 

I can open them up a little. So they are a little more than just surface. I will have to keep an eye on them closely. I will get my SLR and take some better pictures tonight hopefully.

 

Any cracking is not good. Means impact damage or the tire is starting to dry rot. Running on borrowed time at this point. Best to get it replaced.

 

^^ Discount tire is where I got them from and they won't replace them as they said it's normal? Definitely not dry rot as they are not even a year old and less than 10k of miles. And never have hit anything.

 

I'd take them up on the 800 # offer directly if Discount won't help.

 

that looks very unsafe.


IMO it is more like a cut, not a crack....

 

A year since you bought them? Or a year since manufactured? Check the date on the sidewall just in case.

 

Good pictures:

 

Looking in between the tread blocks, I can't see any signs of cracking or separation.

I would probably take the car in a secluded area that's large enough to drive in a circle and try to induce understeer at somewhat low speeds to see what the tires do. Aside from shaving off a little from the edge, it looks like they're going to be okay.

Another thought would be to consult BF Goodrich for the construction of the tire design to see if it's coming apart. (this doesn't look like the case IMO)