Can a cut on the inner side of a tire be repaired?
4 Answers
It depends on the depth of the cut. If the depth is not too deep, it can be repaired. If the depth is too deep, it is recommended to replace the tire immediately. Several situations where a tire cannot be repaired: Damage to the tire sidewall cannot be repaired; puncture holes on the tread with a diameter exceeding 6 millimeters cannot be repaired; irreparable damage includes bead damage or deformation, tread deformation, rubber corroded by chemicals, or damage caused by running the tire flat; tires with bulges cannot be repaired.
To be honest, if there's a cut on the inner side of the tire, you can basically forget about repairing it. I often help friends check their cars, so I've got some experience with this. The sidewall of a tire is as thin as paper and mainly responsible for supporting the vehicle's weight and absorbing shocks. Any damage there compromises the internal cord structure. Patching materials can't withstand the high pressure, and you risk a blowout or air leak while driving, which is extremely dangerous. Last year, an acquaintance tried patching one, but the tire went flat not long after, costing even more for towing and a replacement. Safety should always come first—if you encounter this situation, replace the tire immediately. When driving, avoid potholes and maintain standard tire pressure to extend your tires' lifespan by a year or two.
I remember encountering a similar situation last year when my tire was scratched on the inside. My first thought was also whether I could patch it to save money. But the mechanic repeatedly warned me that the sidewall, unlike the tread, can't be reinforced—there's no tread pattern there, just thin layers of fabric. Once damaged, it loses elasticity, and any repair simply can't withstand road impacts, especially at high speeds where deformation is greater, increasing the risk of sudden deflation. Safety is more important than anything, so I immediately replaced the tire. Since then, I've made it a habit to walk around the car before every trip to inspect the tire sidewalls, feeling for any bulges or cuts. Although replacing tires is costly, when you consider the risk of an accident, this investment is absolutely worth it.
When I first started driving, I also wondered if damage to the inner side of the tire could be repaired. Later, I asked several shops, and they all advised against patching it. The sidewall structure of the tire is too weak, lacking the thick rubber layer found on the tread. If the cut is deep, it damages the inner cord layer, and the repair adhesive won't hold firmly, posing a high risk of air leakage. I've encountered a similar situation myself and just replaced the tire outright. Safety comes first when driving—it's better to spend a bit more money on a new tire than to risk an accident on the road. Regular tire maintenance can help avoid these issues.
