Can a tire still be used if a piece is torn off the sidewall?
3 Answers
It is not recommended to use. The rubber on the sidewall of the tire is very thin and can easily burst from the damaged area. Moreover, it cannot be repaired because repairing requires grinding away part of the rubber, making it even thinner. Generally, repair shops do not repair tire sidewalls and recommend replacement instead, as safety comes first. Cases where tires cannot be repaired: Sidewall damage cannot be repaired. A puncture hole in the tread with a diameter exceeding 6mm cannot be repaired. Other irreparable damages include bead damage or deformation, tread deformation, rubber corroded by chemicals, or damage caused by driving on a flat tire. Note on tire lifespan: Tires naturally wear out, so normal tires will have wear limits marked on the sidewall before leaving the factory to indicate the real-time wear condition of the tire. Regular checks on tire wear should be conducted during daily use to prevent severe wear that could affect performance.
I've been driving for over twenty years and often encounter tire issues. A cut on the sidewall of a rear tire is a serious matter. The sidewall is the thinnest part of a tire, primarily relying on rubber and ply layers to support the vehicle's weight. If the cut is deep enough to expose the inner fabric cords or steel belts, the tire becomes unusable because it could burst under high pressure at any moment, which is extremely dangerous. Just the other day, my neighbor's car had a similar issue—a minor cut that seemed fine but led to a tire blowout on the highway, causing an accident. I recommend you carefully inspect the depth of the cut: feel it with your hand to check if any white cords are exposed. If so, definitely don't use it. If it's just a shallow scratch that hasn't reached the ply layer, you can use it temporarily, but drive slowly and avoid highways, then get it professionally assessed at a tire shop or 4S store ASAP. Safety first—don't risk it to save money. A good tire only costs a few hundred bucks, but your life is priceless. If the cut is on the sidewall, repairs may be ineffective, so it's better to replace it early. Also, driving over potholes or scraping against curbs can cause this, so pay more attention to road conditions in the future.
I just got my driver's license not long ago and encountered a similar situation. I was nervous but learned a lot. If the side of the rear tire is scratched, don’t rush to drive. First, squat down and carefully observe: if it’s just a shallow scratch without cracking and the tire isn’t leaking air, you can temporarily drive at low speeds in the city, but don’t exceed 60 km/h. If you can see the inner fibers or steel wires exposed, the tire is directly scrapped and must be stopped immediately, because the sidewall bears the entire pressure of the car. Damage here can easily lead to bulging or bursting, which is extremely dangerous. Last time I encountered this, I scraped the curb and found a deep cut upon inspection, so I quickly replaced the tire—just a small expense. You can do a simple self-test: spray water on the scratched area to see if bubbles or leaks appear. But it’s best not to hesitate—find a roadside repair shop for a quick check. They’ll know whether it’s usable with professional tools. Remember, safety always comes first—don’t lose big for small gains. The normal lifespan of a tire is just four to five years; aging tires are prone to problems.
