Can a Damaged Tire Bead Still Be Used After Installation?
1 Answers
Installing a tire with a damaged bead is not recommended. It is best to replace the damaged tire promptly to avoid potential blowouts. Causes of bead damage: During daily driving, tires are prone to scrapes or punctures, such as rubbing against curbs while parking. This can easily lead to sidewall damage, bulges, or ruptures. A tire bulge occurs when the inner cords of the sidewall break. In such cases, replacing the damaged tire promptly is advisable to prevent blowouts. Tire pressure is crucial to tire longevity—both overinflation and underinflation can shorten its lifespan. Low pressure causes tire deformation, increases sidewall stress, and leads to cracks and excessive flexing. This results in extreme compression forces on the inner layers and tension on the outer layers, exceeding the flex limit. Overheating accelerates rubber aging, weakens the casing ply, and may cause cord breakage. Hazards of a damaged bead: The bead is the inner edge of the tire that seals against the wheel rim. Since the airtightness of tubeless tires relies heavily on the bead's integrity, damage to the bead severely compromises the tire's sealing performance.