Can a small chunk missing from the tire sidewall be repaired?
2 Answers
If a chunk is scraped off the tire and the cords are damaged, it can no longer be used as it poses a significant safety hazard. Details are as follows: 1. Damaged cords: If the sidewall damage reaches the cords, it cannot be repaired—neither mushroom plug patches nor hot patches will work. These repair methods are only temporary fixes and cannot address the root issue, making continued use prone to blowouts. 2. Undamaged cords: To check whether the cords are damaged, visually inspect the wound for exposed white threads—if visible, the cords are compromised. Alternatively, perform a pressure test by increasing the tire pressure by 1-2 kg above the standard level, driving briefly to raise the tire temperature, and observing whether the wound changes or bulges. If no issues appear, reset the pressure to the standard value, and the tire can be used for short-distance urban driving.
I've seen many car owners ask if chunks missing from the tire sidewall can be repaired. Honestly, that area is untouchable. The tire sidewall is like the Achilles' heel of a tire—it has fewer steel belts and constantly bears the weight of the vehicle. Once damaged, it could blow out at any moment on the highway. Recently, a Golf had its sidewall patched, and it bulged and split just as it entered the ring expressway—a truly terrifying scene. Even if only a fingernail-sized piece is missing, the entire tire must be replaced. Safety isn't something to gamble with. By the way, a friendly reminder: avoid scraping the curb when parking, as that’s the main culprit behind sidewall damage.
