When it comes to cleaning tires, we recommend you follow this advice from our friends at Michelin: “Avoid the use of petroleum based tire cleaning products as they can exhaust the tire's oxidation and weathering agents within the rubber compounds, resulting in cracking. Over the past 5 years Michelin has had issues with cracking. We've never received any explanation from them as to a cause, and we, as a Michelin dealer, have replaced quite a few tires under warranty because of it. Personally, I would contact Michelin North America and explain your case to them. When it comes to cleaning tires, we recommend you follow this advice from our friends at Michelin: “Avoid the use of petroleum based tire cleaning products as they can exhaust the tire's oxidation and weathering agents within the rubber compounds, resulting in cracking.
I just replaced all 4 tires on my 2000 Olds Silhouette (van).
All 4 tires had heat cracks between each tread all the way around.
At first I saw small cracks starting, then after a few months and one trip down to MB, South Carolina and back (2200K miles) those small cracks all joined up (end to end).
Those tires only had about 35k miles on them on tires with a 75k expected life.
None of the mileage was done on any road other than asphalt.
Are high speed driving and UV rays the only reason for this failure?
I have BF Goodrich Precepts on now and find these great for holding the road in heavy rain.
Plus, they are quieter than the old ones (which turned out to be noisy from the get go).
Michelin Tire Cracking Guide
Michelin Tire Cracking Guide
Considering that a new set of high-performance Michelin rubber costs more than $2,000, both C7 Corvette owners and enthusiasts wondered if dealers will replace the damaged tires free of charge. Fortunately though, Michelin’s lead engineer for the C7 Corvette Lee Willard issued the following statement to CorvetteForum.com:
“This winter has been extremely harsh in much of the country and some recently shipped Corvette tires may exhibit cracking. In general, summer tires should never be driven on or moved in temperatures under 20°F because they may crack. Tires should be carefully inspected at the dealership before taking delivery of a vehicle.” declared Willard.
“Never use a tire with freeze cracks, breaks, or damage to the sidewall or tread. For those residing in colder climates, Corvette owners should have a plan for vehicle storage during cold winter months. If your garage drops below 20°F regularly, consider removing tires and storing them inside. If you live in colder climates and want to drive your vehicle in temperatures below 40°F we strongly recommend investing in a set of winter or all-season tires.” he added.
As things stand now, Michelin is right - it’s not their fault that the tires on brand spanking new C7 Corvette Stingrays and Z06s were cracked, but General Motors'. It’s the carmaker’s duty to ship new cars from assembly plant to dealer in perfect conditions, including temperature. Let’s keep those fingers crossed General Motors will man up and replace the cracked tires at no cost to the owners in the near future.