Tire question - sidewall cracks around it nearest to rim
 

Hello all, only noticed this when washing car and taking a close look. 235/65 R17 Got hairline cracks in sidewall going all the way round, nearest to rim lip,they aren't over all sidewall but about 1inch from rim in the innermost band on outer tirewall . Its only this one rear tire, and they aren't too old, is there anyway to know if it is superficial and or risky to drive X? in the past i have had much worse condition tires and never thought twice , but now I am not along in the car.

What is the DOT of the tire?

https://www.tirebuyer.com/education/...-of-your-tires

i'll check it out tomorrow bit dark now here, just wondering if this is superficial cracking, maybe better still take it to a tire place (who can give me an impartial opinion and not push me for a set of 4 new tires) Also dug this up online but no idea if it is kosher so to speak, and my tire is a kumho not michelin

Tires can be a mystery in terms of what's acceptable and what's not. I've seen tires with much worse dry rot and people will drive on them for years with no problem, on the other hand, much less or no dry rot and a tire will develop a broken belt or worse just blow. Best thing is to never take a chance. I would like to know the age of your tires tho.

I'll check it tomorrow, both rears are kumho but am sure never got em changed at the same time, had weird tire wear issues....just recently had all sorts of rear suspension work done etc and neither the mechanic or alignment shop commented on condition of sidewall. Perphas just swapping it out will alleviate risk anyhow, will i need a re-alignment again though you think if i change rear tire

Just FYI, the term "DOT" doesn't mean much outside the USA... but I see you are referring to the manufacture date of the tyre (once of the many things the DOT requires..)

Superficial OZONE cracking. YOU are safe to drive on them. Check the date of manufacture. Anything over 10 years is REAL bad.

Superficial cracks are minor issues.
The tire shop experienced mechanic told me to avoid high speed.
Just keep speed below 50-60 mph ir < 100km/h.

Of course keep pressure > 35 psi.

Any experienced tire technician would never advocate tires over 6/7 years old as safe.....at any speed. Please use proper judgement and common sense as well as referring to any tire manufacturing recommendations as to what constitutes proper tire safety. Remember, it's you and your family's safety at stake. It's easy to say "oh, you'll be fine...." but is it really worth the risk.

...Just my opinion, but plenty of info that can be looked up.

not got the age yet, gonna go get it swapped anyhow, will i need to get an alignment done after changing a rear tire?