No, it’s not lizard skin, but it could be the surface of a tire with advanced ozone damage. Ozone is a form of oxygen that is especially good at breaking down the chemical bonds in rubber

We put antiozonant compounds into rubber to protect it. These gradually work their way to the surface, where they do the most good. For that reason, you shouldn’t use tire dressings or wash tires too often, because you can remove the antiozonant.

Ultraviolet light accelerates ozone damage, so keep tires out of the sun as much as possible. Store indoors or under cover, and away from ozone sources like electric motors or generators and away from sources of ultraviolet light and ozone, like arc welders.

How much ozone damage is too much? Your dealer or retreader should have a comparison chart you can use to assess the damage.

Measure deep cracks with a tread depth gauge. If the crack is 2/32ý deep or more, or if you can see exposed tire cord, the tire should be scrapped.

Much of the time, ozone damage though ugly, is not serious enough to remove a tire from service.