Tyre Cracking

[Goggo Member Find all posts View Profile Close Goggo]

Below I attached some pics of my Cooper ST Maxx tyres as you can see they aren't very old.

[Goggo Member Find all posts View Profile Close Goggo]

I now have Cooper AT3's and pretty happy so far. This my 4th set of Coopers and I would get them again. Cheers

[Mule Member Find all posts View Profile Close Mule]

Below I attached some pics of my Cooper ST Maxx tyres as you can see they aren't very old.
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Yes that is the classic little circumferential cracks or splits near the bead seen on ST Max tyres. I found them on mine about day 2 owning them. I had already started an outback trip so waited until I was home to complain and get them changed. Now about 2 years on and only one of the 5 replaced is showing a little of the same. The layer of rubber concerned is the outer protective rubber protecting the casing plies or cords in the side wall and a crack in the rubber there (I am told) will not affect performance or safety of the tyre. It is very slack of Coopers though to let these loose in the marked, as said my set were all showing cracking by day 2 and I am sure Coopers must have had complaints prior to the time my ones were fitted. I understand the problem to be quite widespread so did Coopers not test the tyres or thought that Australian customers could take their rejects?