Without photo images, I'm going to make some assumptions regarding your question.  By describing your tree as a "crimson red maple" I think you most likely  have a crimson colored red type of Norway Maple such as "Crimson King" scientific name Acer platanoides.  https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/acer-platanoides-crimson-king

   Splitting bark on these trees is fairly common caused by a frost crack or sunscald the result of rapid Winter or Spring temperature swings.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNCVz5sj564&t=9s

   One special consideration to begin with is to determine if the tree is planted or mulched too deeply as this can lead to bark splitting.      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yutZXXU6eHo

    If the planting depth of the tree is not an issue, then the response to the problem is determined by the severity of the cracks and the overall health of the tree.  Provide optimal support with appropriate watering and mulching  and AVOID any fertilizing at this time.  More severe cracking, loss of structural integrity of the tree or other concerns regarding the overall health of the tree may warrant consultation with a certified arborist.     https://www.treesaregood.org/Find-an-Arborist

   The following references have images, information and links I hope you find useful.

https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=901893
https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=889951
https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=904960
https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=482533