# Expensive tire sidewall cracks; slow leak **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** tires\ **Created:** [July 11, 2025, 3:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962 "2025-07-11T03:46:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2025, 6:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/61 "2025-07-19T18:41:24Z")
I like you folks and everything but capriracer is the expert. ---
**Author:** ![It\_s-Me](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/it_s-me/32/12660_2.png) [@It\_s-Me](https://community.cartalk.com/u/It_s-Me)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2025, 6:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/62 "2025-07-19T18:46:35Z")
> [@Robert-Gift](#): > > If dangerous, why does sidewall read **MAX PRESSURE 51 PSI**? Because that tire fits more than 1 vehicle, not all cars require the same pressure. ---
**Author:** ![Robert-Gift](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/robert-gift/32/356_2.png) [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2025, 6:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/63 "2025-07-19T18:51:38Z")
Yes. Suspecthat Lexus specifies **35 PSI** for a better ride. In addition to the TPMS pressure indication, I would like to see tire air temperature. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2025, 6:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/64 "2025-07-19T18:52:20Z")
> [@Robert-Gift](#): > > All I, the flunkee Now THERE is something we can all agree on 😃 ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2025, 7:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/65 "2025-07-19T19:06:15Z")
> [@Robert-Gift](#): > > If dangerous, why does sidewall read **MAX PRESSURE 51 PSI**? Because that same size tire can be used on a different vehicle which weighs considerably more. [Hidden Tire Pressure Risks: Over And Under-Inflation Dangers](https://www.eastcoasttoyota.com/the-hidden-risks-of-overinflated-and-underinflated-tires/) [The Truth About Over-Inflating Your Tires | MINI of San Antonio](https://www.miniofsanantonio.com/the-truth-about-over-inflating-your-tires.htm) [Why Are Overinflated Tires Dangerous? What’s a Safe PSI?](https://www.tireagent.com/blog/are-over-inflated-tires-safe-to-drive-on) ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/48514_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2025, 7:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/66 "2025-07-19T19:27:01Z")
> [@Robert-Gift](#): > > In addition to the TPMS pressure indication, I would like to see tire air temperature. I thought that you have a late-model RX. If my 2022 NX shows individual tire pressures, surely your RX should, too. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2025, 10:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/67 "2025-07-19T22:22:52Z")
> [@VDCdriver](#): > > I thought that you have a late-model RX. He has a hard time keeping what â– â– â– â– â– â– â– â–  he said in the past. ---
**Author:** ![grunes\_183031](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b9bd4f/32.png) [@grunes\_183031](https://community.cartalk.com/u/grunes_183031)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2025, 11:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/68 "2025-07-19T23:07:34Z")
Almost any rural location (e.g., Most of West Virginia, Western Pennsylvania - or almost any place far from a big city) on a weekend. If you are into outdoor recreation sports (e.g., hiking, skiing, kayaking) that is completely normal. Or for people who live in farm country. In fact, probably for most of the U.S. (by area, not by population), including highway travel between major cities. ---
**Author:** ![It\_s-Me](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/it_s-me/32/12660_2.png) [@It\_s-Me](https://community.cartalk.com/u/It_s-Me)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2025, 11:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/69 "2025-07-19T23:13:08Z")
> [@grunes\_183031](#): > > or almost any place far from a big city I don’t know of any tire store that’s open 24/7 big city or not. ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2025, 2:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/70 "2025-07-20T02:57:39Z")
> [@VDCdriver](#): > > > [@Robert-Gift](#): > > > > In addition to the TPMS pressure indication, I would like to see tire air temperature. > > I thought that you have a late-model RX. If my 2022 NX shows individual tire pressures, surely your RX should, too. Temperature can be viewed using a scan tool, the center display only shows pressure. ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/f/f/ff01b890e4ed558317cce345a44a70a0e8bd75ab.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2025, 3:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/71 "2025-07-20T03:44:03Z")
I don’t know why anyone would want to see the temperature of the air inside the tire which will change the psi as you drive. At any rate Menards has their non contact infrared thermometer on sale for $8. I was going to pick one up just for the fun if it. I don’t suspect many would be stopping their cars though to shoot the temp if th3 tires. ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2025, 4:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/72 "2025-07-20T04:36:27Z")
> [@bing](#): > > I don’t know why anyone would want to see the temperature of the air inside the tire which will change the psi as you drive. To monitor heat buildup during highway speeds in order to compare tire temperature at base placard pressure (deemed to be the only safe way to travel) with tire temperature while using the increased pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacture. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2025, 12:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/73 "2025-07-20T12:32:54Z")
> [@It\_s-Me](#): > > I don’t know of any tire store that’s open 24/7 big city or not. In very rural places here in NH there are gas stations that have limited service 24/7 - and they sell tires. ---
**Author:** ![TwinTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2025, 1:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/74 "2025-07-20T13:04:30Z")
The recommended cold inflation pressure already takes into account all the variables for when the tire is in use; highest ambient temp, fastest travel speed based on recommended tire specs, and so on. No need to know the air temp in the tire, just read the displayed pressure during use- it should never exceed the max tire pressure. And if you don’t go crazy above the recommended cold inflation pressure it is unlikely you’ll ever come close to the maximum pressure allowed. Trying to play engineer and second guess the established recommended specifications is asking for trouble… ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2025, 4:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/75 "2025-07-20T16:58:40Z")
Yes, you check pressure when cold. The engineers know pressure will increase with driving. ---
**Author:** ![RandomTroll](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/randomtroll/32/12184_2.png) [@RandomTroll](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RandomTroll)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 3:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/76 "2025-07-21T03:39:40Z")
> [@Robert-Gift](#): > > Do old tires catastrophically fail One of mine did: ![MyBlownTire-20210226](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/7/2/72d86368c3cbe2c7646a109929a465d800863113.jpeg) It was 29 years old. > [@asemaster](#): > > And a 6-1/2 year old tire for me is just fine. Same with me. I think _i fratelli Magliozzi_ recommend changing at 6 years. Y’all have given me grief for my old tires in the past. I have new ones now. ---
**Author:** ![asemaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 3:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/77 "2025-07-21T03:50:55Z")
> [@RandomTroll](#): > > > [@asemaster](#): > > > > And a 6-1/2 year old tire for me is just fine. > > Same with me. I think _i fratelli Magliozzi_ recommend changing at 6 years. Y’all have given me grief for my old tires in the past. I have new ones now. Well, to be fair, the climate where I live is much more forgiving towards rubber components than where you live. ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/6/8/68977101a75d3b0e2a9a886e10748a69f4cfaa38.png) It was 66 and partly cloudy today. How about at your house? ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 4:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/78 "2025-07-21T04:16:11Z")
> [@TwinTurbo](#): > > The recommended cold inflation pressure already takes into account all the variables for when the tire is in use; highest ambient temp, fastest travel speed based on recommended tire specs, and so on. There two different tire pressure values; the one on the door frame showing values for US legal speeds and another in the owner’s manual for higher speeds. People reject the idea of using the higher value, I would like to know the difference in heat buildup using different pressures. This is from Robert’s owner’s manual: ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/7/a/7a5b40c5c6ae1a737ddc8e91f34c1196c34a81f5.png) Robert is curious about the temperature buildup at highway speeds. Higher pressure results in less sidewall flexing during rotation and less heat. I think if people knew hot their tires were at 80 mph, they wouldn’t get on a highway with only 30 psi in the tires. Below is the data from a tire pressure monitor, including the tire temperature while parked inside the shop. ![scan_20250721042403](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/7/17ce32b3551481e546387621a6ef56e4c7bb2a10.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![CapriRacer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/capriracer/32/22_2.png) [@CapriRacer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/CapriRacer)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 12:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/79 "2025-07-21T12:55:44Z")
Tire Inflation pressure: If we start with the vehicle tire placard pressure, increasing the inflation pressure hurts the ride quality, decreases the traction (dry, wet, snow), improves the cornering feel, improves the rolling resistance, improves the wear rate, but causes the tire to wear unevenly, Improves load carrying capacity, improves the speed capability, and helps the hydroplaning resistance. There is an obvious upper limit as to how much pressure can be used in a tire - its burst pressure. Tires are designed around fatigue failures, which means the operating pressure has to be a mere fraction of the burst pressure - on the order of 1/3 to 1/5.. To aid in the selection of an appropriate operating pressure, tire manufacturers have organizations which publish load tables - inflation pressure vs max load. However, there is more to it than just load. Speed also plays a part in tire failures, and it is known that more pressure improves speed capability, so the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall of a tires is usually higher than what the vehicle manufacturer specifies. That’s because the tire can fit on many vehicles, and each vehicle will have different operating conditions. The US federal government requires the max load and max pressure to be listed on the tire sidewall - along with quite a few other things. It is wrong to think that what is listed on the sidewall of a tire for maximum pressure has anything to do with what the operating pressure should be.- much like what torque on a bolt is not set by the bolt manufacturer. Neither the tire manufacturer nor the bolt manufacturer knows what application their product is going to be used on. ---
**Author:** ![TwinTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 1:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962/80 "2025-07-21T13:41:09Z")
> [@Nevada\_545](#): > > There two different tire pressure values; the one on the door frame showing values for US legal speeds and another in the owner’s manual for higher speeds. So they have already considered that condition and provided their guidance. Follow it. > [@Nevada\_545](#): > > I think if people knew hot their tires were at 80 mph, they wouldn’t get on a highway with only 30 psi in the tires. The problem with that is most people are not tire engineers. The tires get hot. But at what point is that concerning? Most people don’t have the background to make that assessment so just follow the car manufacturer’s recommendations and don’t pretend to know better. [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962.md?page=3) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/expensive-tire-sidewall-cracks-slow-leak/200962.md?page=5)