Can a tire be used if the sidewall is scratched?
4 Answers
Tire sidewall is scratched can be used, but it is not recommended. The rubber on the sidewall of the tire is very thin and prone to blowout from the damaged area. It cannot be repaired and it is recommended to replace it. Tires are ring-shaped elastic rubber products installed on various vehicles or machinery for rolling on the ground, mounted on metal rims. The functions of tires: 1. Support the vehicle body and buffer external impacts, achieving contact with the ground and ensuring the driving performance of the vehicle; 2. During driving, they endure various deformations, load forces, and high and low temperature effects, possessing high load-bearing performance, traction performance, and cushioning performance; 3. They have high wear resistance and flex resistance, as well as low rolling resistance and heat generation.
Having run an auto repair shop for years, I've seen numerous cases of tire sidewall damage. Honestly, the sidewall is the most vulnerable part of a tire - once its cord layers are compromised, it's like damaging human tendons and bones. Last week, a customer ignored a sidewall cut caused by a stone, which resulted in a sudden blowout on the highway (fortunately without casualties). If you notice bulging or exposed white cord layers at the damaged area, replace the tire immediately! I always advise customers to measure scratch depth with a coin: anything over 2mm is dangerous. Always park carefully to avoid curbs, and steer clear of sharp stones hidden in roadside weeds.
I remember when I drove a taxi, the tires often got scratched by roadside debris. How serious are side scratches? First, assess the severity: shallow scratches that haven't exposed the cords can still hold up for a while, but you must develop the habit of checking tire pressure daily—damage to the sidewall makes it prone to leaks. Once, I had a cut on a rear tire and kept driving city routes for half a month until a mechanic pointed out during maintenance that the inner fabric was deformed. Be extra cautious at high speeds or under heavy loads—sudden blowouts are no joke. Now, I deliberately park farther from the sidewalk edges; it's better to scrape the rims than damage the tires.
Did you scrape the curb in the neighborhood? The rubber on the sidewall of the tire is extremely thin, and deep scratches can directly damage the steel wire layer inside. When I first started driving, I made the mistake of thinking the surface looked fine and kept using it, only for the tire to suddenly lose air on a rainy day. Here's a simple trick: apply some soapy water to the scratch—if it bubbles, it means there's a leak and you need to address it immediately. When driving, try to avoid riding on roadside grass, as sharp objects in concrete cracks can be particularly damaging to tires. If you're looking to save money, at least take it to a quick repair shop for a pressure test—it's much cheaper than replacing the tire outright.
