Can a small chunk missing from the tire sidewall be repaired?
3 Answers
If a chunk is scraped off the tire and the cords are damaged, it cannot continue to be used. Below are precautions regarding tire usage: 1. Method to determine cord damage: Check whether the cords are damaged by visually inspecting the tire wound for exposed white threads. If white threads are visible, the cords are damaged. Another detection method is to increase the tire pressure by 1-2 kg above the standard pressure, drive briefly to raise the tire temperature, and observe whether the wound changes or bulges. If there is no change, adjust the tire pressure back to the standard value, and the tire can be used for short-distance urban driving. 2. Precautions: Slow down when passing over potholes, speed bumps, or other uneven road surfaces; avoid speeding or overloading; and refrain from sharp turns, rapid acceleration, emergency braking, or driving over curbs.
I've driven many cars, and a small chunk missing from the tire sidewall really can't be repaired. The sidewall is the weakest part of a tire. Once damaged, the internal fabric and steel layers are prone to breaking or deforming, and patches won't adhere securely there. With higher pressure or increased stress during turns, it could tear open and cause a blowout. Once while on a business trip, I encountered a similar situation on the highway—a scratched tire sidewall that I didn't replace, resulting in a blowout that delayed my trip and was dangerous. Safety first—I strongly recommend immediately checking the damage and replacing the tire if confirmed. When driving, be careful to avoid curbs or sharp objects hitting the tires, and while washing the car, feel the tire surface for any abnormalities to prevent further issues. Although replacing a tire costs more, it's far cheaper than dealing with an accident.
Small damages on the tire sidewall absolutely cannot be repaired and require replacement. The sidewall bears the entire vehicle's lateral forces, and even a small damage means the structural integrity is compromised. Once the internal cords are broken, repairs become meaningless, with risks multiplying during high-speed driving or on wet/slippery roads in rain or snow. I pay special attention to this when traveling with my family, always checking tire treads and sidewalls for cracks or bulges before long trips. If any abnormality is found, don't hesitate to replace it – temporary fixes only work for low-speed short distances and pose long-term hazards. It's advisable to develop habits of regular tire pressure checks and maintenance, while avoiding poor road conditions to reduce damage risks. Safety should always come first; don't invite big trouble by trying to save small money.
