{"id":240307,"date":"2026-10-23T07:51:28","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T14:51:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/?p=240307"},"modified":"2026-10-23T07:51:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T14:51:30","slug":"how-do-you-inspect-powersports-tires-for-dry-rot-sidewall-damage-and-trail-cuts-quickref","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-do-you-inspect-powersports-tires-for-dry-rot-sidewall-damage-and-trail-cuts-quickref\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do You Inspect Powersports Tires for Dry Rot, Sidewall Damage, and Trail Cuts?"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clean the tire, check cold pressure, then work around the full circumference looking for cracks, bulges, cuts, and embedded debris on the tread and both sidewalls. Light surface cracking can be monitored, but exposed cords, bulges, and deep sidewall cuts mean replacement. Here&rsquo;s how to inspect powersports tires for dry rot, sidewall damage, and trail cuts, and what each finding tells you about the machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clean the tire and check cold pressure first, since mud hides damage and low pressure overworks the sidewall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cracks that catch a fingernail or widen when flexed point to dry rot, which calls for replacement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sidewall bulges, exposed cords, and deep sidewall cuts generally aren&rsquo;t repairable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small tread punctures on tubeless ATV and side-by-side tires can often be plugged, but verify the repair.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uneven wear points to pressure, suspension, or alignment problems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Start With a Clean Tire and Cold Pressure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A useful tire check starts with clean rubber and a cold pressure reading. Mud and dust can get into cuts and hairline cracks, so <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mud-dust-and-water-aftercare-what-to-do-after-a-hard-off-road-ride-quickref\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"wash the tire before you look closely\">wash the tire before you look closely<\/a>. Check pressure before riding, because heat raises the reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Low pressure lets the sidewall flex harder over every rock, which builds heat and speeds up cracking. Use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/jcwhitneyperformance\/powersports?refinements%5Bvehicletype%5D=ATV&amp;refinements%5Bpart%5D=Tire_Pressure_Gauge&amp;itemperpage=20&amp;currentpage=1&amp;sort=best-match\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"a gauge that reads accurately at low pressures\">a gauge that reads accurately at low pressures<\/a> and match the tire spec in your owner&rsquo;s manual. A tire that keeps losing air between rides means that there&rsquo;s a leak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_dry_rot-1.jpg\" alt=\"Powersports tire with dry rot\" class=\"wp-image-240310\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_dry_rot-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_dry_rot-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_dry_rot-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_dry_rot-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_dry_rot-1-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cracks that catch a fingernail or widen when flexed point to dry rot that calls for replacement.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Spot Dry Rot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dry rot is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-tires-with-dry-rot-should-be-replaced-immediately\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"age and environmental cracking in the rubber\">age and environmental cracking in the rubber<\/a>, and it usually starts where the tire flexes most. Check the sidewall, the shoulder, and the base of each tread block. Early dry rot looks like a fine web of shallow cracks, often with faded rubber that feels harder than it should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UV light, ozone, heat, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-long-can-tires-last-in-storage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"long stretches of sitting\">long stretches of sitting<\/a> all break down rubber, so a tire can have plenty of tread left and still be too far gone to trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Surface Crazing vs. Deep Cracks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Light surface crazing that stays closed when you squeeze the sidewall is something to monitor. Cracks that catch a fingernail, widen when you flex the rubber, or run deep into the tread grooves suggest the rubber has lost strength. At this point, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/jcwhitneyperformance\/powersports?refinements%5Bvehicletype%5D=ATV&amp;refinements%5Bpart%5D=Tire&amp;itemperpage=20&amp;currentpage=1&amp;sort=best-match\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"replacement\">replacement<\/a> makes more sense than another season of monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check the Date Code if the Tire Has One<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Street motorcycle, scooter, and DOT-rated off-road tires carry a date code on the sidewall. The last four digits show the week and year of manufacture. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/the-motorcycle-maintenance-schedule-every-rider-should-follow-quickref\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"Older tires deserve a closer look\">Older tires deserve a closer look<\/a>. Many off-road-only ATV tires might not carry this code, so physical condition matters more there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Check for Sidewall Damage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sidewall is the part you can least afford to ignore and least able to repair. Inspect both the outer and inner sidewalls, because rocks and stumps often strike the inside face. A quick walkaround won&rsquo;t catch it, so roll your machine forward a few feet to see the full circumference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bulges, Bubbles, and Deformation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A bulge means the internal cords have separated or broken, and air is pushing against what&rsquo;s left. Hard hits on rocks, ledges, or potholes cause it, and it can take a day or two to show. Don&rsquo;t ride on a bulged tire. Replace it as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"article-search-widget\">\n\t<div class=\"cp-search\">\n\t\t<div class=\"cp-logo-search\" align=\"center\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/w_auto,dpr_auto\/carparts\/logos\/badge_wordmark\/full_color\/CP_LOGO_COLOUR_RGB\" alt=\"CarParts.com\" width=\"300\" height=\"56\">\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<form id=\"cpsearchform\" name=\"cpsearchform\" action=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/search\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\" accept-charset=\"character_set\" aria-label=\"search CarParts.com\">\n\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" class=\"keyword\" name=\"q\" placeholder=\"Search for parts on CarParts.com\" value=\"\" aria-label=\"Search CarParts.com\"><input type=\"submit\" class=\"btn-search\" value=\"Search\" aria-label=\"Search\">\n\t\t<\/form>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Sidewall Cuts Usually Mean Replacement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sidewall flexes constantly, so patches and plugs struggle to hold there. A shallow scuff that only removes surface rubber might be cosmetic. A cut that exposes cords, runs deep, or leaks air means the structure is compromised. A trail-side patch might get you to your destination at low speed, but plan on replacement before your next ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_trail_cuts-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Powersports tire with trail cuts\" class=\"wp-image-240308\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_trail_cuts-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_trail_cuts-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_trail_cuts-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_trail_cuts-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_trail_cuts-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_trail_cuts-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_trail_cuts.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Trail cuts show up as gashes, chunked tread blocks, and embedded thorns, rocks, or nails.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Find and Judge Trail Cuts and Punctures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trail cuts show up as gashes, chunked tread blocks, and embedded thorns, rocks, or nails. Run a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/jcwhitneyperformance\/powersports?refinements%5Bvehicletype%5D=Dirt_Bike&amp;refinements%5Bpart%5D=Gloves&amp;itemperpage=20&amp;currentpage=1&amp;sort=best-match\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"gloved hand\">gloved hand<\/a> over the tread and pull out debris. Spray soapy water on any suspect spot: bubbles show exactly where air escapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tread Punctures You Can Usually Fix<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A small puncture in the center of the tread on a tubeless ATV or side-by-side tire can often be sealed with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/jcwhitneyperformance\/powersports?refinements%5Bvehicletype%5D=UTV&amp;refinements%5Bpart%5D=Tire_Repair_Kit&amp;itemperpage=20&amp;currentpage=1&amp;sort=best-match\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"a quality plug kit\">a quality plug kit<\/a>. Recheck it after a short, slow ride and again before the next outing. Dirt bikes running tubes need <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/jcwhitneyperformance\/powersports?refinements%5Bvehicletype%5D=Dirt_Bike&amp;refinements%5Bpart%5D=Tire_Tube&amp;itemperpage=20&amp;currentpage=1&amp;sort=best-match\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"the tube patched or replaced\">the tube patched or replaced<\/a>, plus a look at the rim lock and rim strip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Street bikes call for more caution. A thorough motorcycle tire inspection after any puncture should include a professional check, since many tire makers treat plugs on road tires as temporary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Damage That Means Park It<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/jcwhitneyperformance\/powersports?refinements%5Bvehicletype%5D=UTV&amp;refinements%5Bpart%5D=Tire&amp;itemperpage=20&amp;currentpage=1&amp;sort=best-match\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"Replace the tire\">Replace the tire<\/a> if you find exposed cords, a cut too long to plug, a puncture at the shoulder or sidewall, a bulge, or tread separating from the casing. Riding on a tire with this kind of damage risks a sudden loss of air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Uneven Wear Tells You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Uneven wear usually points to something beyond the tire. Wear on both edges suggests underinflation, while center wear suggests overinflation. Cupped tread blocks can signal worn shocks or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/jcwhitneyperformance\/powersports?refinements%5Bvehicletype%5D=UTV&amp;refinements%5Bpart%5D=Wheel_Bearing&amp;itemperpage=20&amp;currentpage=1&amp;sort=best-match\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"loose wheel bearings\">loose wheel bearings<\/a>, and one-sided wear can point to alignment trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grab the tire at the top and bottom and rock it. If there&rsquo;s noticeable play, this might mean worn bearings or loose suspension parts. Check the rim for bends and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/jcwhitneyperformance\/powersports?refinements%5Bvehicletype%5D=ATV&amp;refinements%5Bpart%5D=Valve_Stems&amp;itemperpage=20&amp;currentpage=1&amp;sort=best-match\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"valve stem\">valve stem<\/a> for cracks, too. These parts affect steering and stability, so have a qualified tech inspect anything that feels loose or looks bent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Judge tread depth against how you ride. Off-road tires lose grip in mud, sand, and snow well before they look worn out, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/jcwhitneyperformance\/powersports?refinements%5Bvehicletype%5D=Motorcycle&amp;refinements%5Bpart%5D=Tire&amp;itemperpage=20&amp;currentpage=1&amp;sort=best-match\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"street tires\">street tires<\/a> need replacement once tread reaches the wear bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don&rsquo;t Skip the Trailer Tires<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trailer tires often sit for months in the sun, which makes them prime candidates for dry rot even with deep tread. Replace aged tires before they fail on the highway <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/towing-an-atv-on-a-trailer-how-to-load-and-haul-it-safely-quickref\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"with your ride on the deck\">with your ride on the deck<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When To Inspect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do a full inspection <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/the-pre-ride-and-pre-season-checklist-for-off-road-machines-quickref\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"before spring riding season\">before spring riding season<\/a> and again <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/winter-storage-checklist-for-atv-utv-and-motorcycle-owners-quickref\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"before off-season storage\">before off-season storage<\/a>. Add a quick walkaround before every ride and take a closer look after riding on rocky trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1792766034864\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can you ride on dry-rotted ATV tires?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Just monitor light surface crazing, but deep cracks or brittle rubber mean the tire can fail with little warning. Replace it before a long or remote ride.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1792766050265\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can you patch a cut in a tire sidewall?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Generally, no. The sidewall flexes too much for a patch to hold reliably. A trail-side patch might get you home slowly, but replace the tire afterward.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1792766065808\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is a tire plug a permanent fix?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A plug in the tread of a tubeless off-road tire often holds well, but observe it over the next few rides. Have a shop check any plugged tire on street motorcycles.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1792766082531\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How much tread depth do off-road tires need?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">There&rsquo;s no single number. Off-road tires need much more tread than road tires to grip in loose terrain, so follow the tire maker&rsquo;s guidance and replace them when traction drops off.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1792766108930\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Why does a tire bulge after a trail ride?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A hard impact can break internal cords even when the outside looks fine. Air pressure then pushes the weakened area outward, so replace any tire that shows a bulge.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Catching dry rot, sidewall damage, and trail cuts early keeps a small problem from ending a whole weekend. When an inspection turns up a tire that&rsquo;s past saving, you&rsquo;ll want the right replacement fast. Head to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/jcwhitneyperformance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"JC Whitney Performance Hub\">JC Whitney Performance Hub<\/a> for tires, wheels, and trail-ready parts matched to your powersports vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Clean the tire, check cold pressure, then work around the full circumference looking for cracks, bulges, cuts, and embedded debris&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-do-you-inspect-powersports-tires-for-dry-rot-sidewall-damage-and-trail-cuts-quickref\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1665,"featured_media":240308,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":"{\"authors\":[2607],\"author_categories\":{\"2607\":\"1\"},\"fallback_author_user\":\"1665\",\"ppma_author_box_select\":\"\",\"selected_authors\":[{\"id\":2607,\"display_name\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\",\"is_guest\":0,\"category_id\":\"1\"}]}"},"categories":[4634,4638],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[2607],"class_list":["post-240307","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-powersports","category-tires-wheels","entry"],"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Do You Inspect Powersports Tires for Dry Rot, Sidewall Damage, and Trail Cuts? - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to spot dry rot, sidewall cuts, bulges, and trail punctures on ATV, side-by-side, and motorcycle tires before your next ride.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-do-you-inspect-powersports-tires-for-dry-rot-sidewall-damage-and-trail-cuts-quickref\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Do You Inspect Powersports Tires for Dry Rot, Sidewall Damage, and Trail Cuts? - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to spot dry rot, sidewall cuts, bulges, and trail punctures on ATV, side-by-side, and motorcycle tires before your next ride.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-do-you-inspect-powersports-tires-for-dry-rot-sidewall-damage-and-trail-cuts-quickref\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-10-23T14:51:28+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-23T14:51:30+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_trail_cuts.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1536\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"CarParts.com Research Team\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"alorenzo@carparts.com\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/how-do-you-inspect-powersports-tires-for-dry-rot-sidewall-damage-and-trail-cuts-quickref\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/how-do-you-inspect-powersports-tires-for-dry-rot-sidewall-damage-and-trail-cuts-quickref\\\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"1665\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\",\"jobTitle\":\"Expert Automotive Writer\",\"description\":\"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. 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Off-road tires need much more tread than road tires to grip in loose terrain, so follow the tire maker\u2019s guidance and replace them when traction drops off.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-do-you-inspect-powersports-tires-for-dry-rot-sidewall-damage-and-trail-cuts-quickref\/#faq-question-1792766108930","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-do-you-inspect-powersports-tires-for-dry-rot-sidewall-damage-and-trail-cuts-quickref\/#faq-question-1792766108930","name":"Why does a tire bulge after a trail ride?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A hard impact can break internal cords even when the outside looks fine. Air pressure then pushes the weakened area outward, so replace any tire that shows a bulge.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_trail_cuts-600x400.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Powersports_tire_with_trail_cuts-600x600.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"alorenzo@carparts.com","author_link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/alorenzocarparts-com\/"},"authors":[{"term_id":2607,"user_id":1651,"is_guest":0,"slug":"thecpteam","display_name":"CarParts.com Research Team","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thecpteam.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thecpteam.jpg"},"author_category":"","user_url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/thecpteam\/","last_name":"","first_name":"CarParts.com Research Team","job_title":"","description":"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. 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