Can a scratched tire without exposed cords be used on highways?

[DelPeyton]

A scratched tire without exposed cords should not be used on highways. If the sidewall of a car tire is cut or damaged, it is best to replace it promptly, as driving at high speeds can easily lead to a tire blowout, posing a significant safety hazard. Reasons why a scratched tire should not be used on highways: The weakest part of a tire is its sidewall. Damage to this area not only increases the risk of a blowout but also makes repairs more difficult, so the tire should be replaced as soon as possible. Solutions for a scratched tire: If the cords are not exposed, it means the structural integrity of the sidewall has not been compromised, and the tire can still be used. However, for safety reasons, it is best to take it to a tire repair shop to patch the damaged area and rebalance the tire, then install it on the rear axle or use it as a spare. The sidewall is the most vulnerable part of the tire, and the rubber here protects the inner cord layers. If it is damaged again, the cords may be compromised, which is extremely dangerous.

[McAdriana]

A tire with a scratch but no exposed cords is really unsafe for highway driving. I've experienced a similar situation before. That time when I drove on the highway, there was a small scratch on the tire. I thought it would be fine since the cords weren't exposed, but halfway through the journey, the car suddenly started shaking violently. Fortunately, I pulled over in time to check and found that the scratch had deepened, nearly causing a blowout. If the rubber layer of a tire is damaged, even if the internal cords aren't exposed, the changes in pressure and temperature at high speeds can amplify the risk. A tire is like a shoe—even if a small part is worn out, running fast can cause it to completely come apart. Especially on the highway, as speed increases, the friction on the tire becomes greater, making weak areas prone to cracking, which can lead to catastrophic blowouts or loss of control. I strongly recommend that if you encounter this issue, don't take the risk—go to a repair shop first and use professional equipment to measure the depth of the damage. Safety comes first. Highway driving is no joke; a small mistake can lead to major consequences. Spending money on new tires or repairs is worth it—your life is at stake.

[LeKaylee]

Tire has a scratch but no exposed cords, which poses a high risk on highways. From a repair perspective, I've seen too many cases where owners dismiss it as just a minor scratch, only to experience a blowout on the highway. No visible cords on the surface doesn't mean the internal structure is intact. A scratch on the rubber may have already torn internal layers, and increased tire pressure at high speeds can worsen the tear. It's best to first test for leaks with soapy water. If no obvious bubbles appear, short-term city driving might be acceptable, but it's unsuitable for highways. Long-term, it still requires inspection. My advice: if you occasionally drive on highways, assess the scratch depth first—if it's less than 1mm, you might manage, but if it exceeds that, don't hesitate to replace it. At high speeds, even a small scratch can trigger a chain reaction. Tire lifespan is also crucial; regular maintenance can help detect such issues early. Saving a little money isn't worth risking a major accident.

[MakaylaLynn]

Even if the tire is scratched without exposing the cords, I strongly advise against driving on the highway. Having driven for decades at this age, I'm particularly cautious about tires. A small scratch might seem minor, but anything can be magnified at high speeds. The structure of a tire is like onion skin, with layers protecting the internal cords. A scratch damages this protective barrier, and the combination of high temperatures and vibrations at highway speeds can rapidly worsen the damage. I once witnessed a neighbor's tire blowout on the highway—though no accident occurred, it was terrifying. When it comes to safety, never cut corners for convenience. It's best to have it thoroughly inspected at a 4S shop or repair shop to ensure there are no hidden risks. Make it a habit to check tire pressure and appearance before driving, and address minor scratches early. Remember, as speed increases, so does the risk exponentially.