Can a car tire with a small hole still be used?
2 Answers
As long as the hole on the tire does not damage the inner cord layer, it can generally continue to be used. Tires without tread patterns: In rainy or snowy weather, since the road surface is already slippery, the contact between the tire and the road becomes even more slippery, which can prevent the car from stopping in time during emergencies. When cracks appear on the sidewall: When cracks appear on the sidewall of the tire, it is also necessary to replace the tire promptly. Because if there is a small hole in the tire, the air pressure inside the tire becomes unstable when the car is moving at high speed, which can easily lead to a tire blowout accident.
Having driven for many years, I've learned that even a small cut in a tire requires careful attention. If the cut is only in the outer rubber layer and no deeper than 3mm, it might be okay for a short trip. However, you must immediately check for air leaks by spraying soapy water on the cut to see if bubbles form. Shaking steering wheel or the car pulling to one side while driving are warning signs. The worst-case scenario is damage to the inner cord layers or the tire's sidewall weak spots, which could lead to a blowout at any moment. Last time, a friend of mine ignored a small cut on the sidewall while on the highway, only to find three broken cords when getting it repaired! I advise against taking risks—if you notice any damage, drive to a repair shop for an assessment as soon as possible, especially for rear-wheel-drive cars where tire issues are harder to control. After all, tires are directly related to safety, and spending money on a new one is always better than risking an accident.
