Can a scratch on the tire sidewall be repaired?
2 Answers
Tire sidewall scratches cannot be repaired. More information about tires is as follows: 1. The tire sidewall is the weakest part of the tire. During normal driving, the tire sidewall deforms to absorb minor bumps on the road. 2. Continuing to drive with a damaged sidewall without replacing the tire poses a risk of blowout, which affects safe driving. 3. When a vehicle is in motion, the tires rub against the ground. This friction generates heat, causing the gas inside the tire to expand due to thermal expansion. The rubber at the scratched part of the sidewall becomes thinner and may not withstand the internal pressure, leading to a blowout. A blowout poses a significant hazard to vehicle safety.
I remember once seeing scratches on the sidewall of my car tire and wondering if I could patch it myself. I went to ask the professionals at a tire shop, and they immediately shook their heads, saying it's not possible. Unlike the tread, the sidewall bears the entire weight of the vehicle and is constantly compressed and stretched. If patched, the repair could easily come loose, and under high-speed pressure, it might lead to a sudden blowout. I initially thought minor damage could be manageable, but the technician warned that the sidewall structure is too thin—once a scratch reaches the underlying cords, it's essential to replace the tire immediately. For safety, I suggest taking a photo and showing it to an expert. Don’t risk saving money—act quickly to ensure safe driving.