Can a tire with a chunk of rubber missing from the outer side still be used?
2 Answers
Tires with a chunk of rubber missing from the outer side should not continue to be used. The functions of a tire are: 1. To support the full weight of the vehicle and bear the vehicle load; 2. To transmit traction and braking torque, ensuring good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface, thereby improving the vehicle's power, braking, and off-road capabilities; 3. To prevent severe vibrations and early damage to vehicle components. The steps for replacing a tire are: 1. Park the vehicle, turn off the engine, and apply the handbrake; 2. Place heavy objects in front of and behind the wheels to prevent sliding, and set up a triangular warning sign behind the vehicle; 3. Use a wrench to loosen the lug nuts of the tire to be replaced in a diagonal pattern; 4. Position the jack on the side of the vehicle where the tire needs to be replaced and lift the vehicle to a certain height; 5. Remove the lug nuts and take off the tire; 6. Install the spare tire or new tire, tightening the lug nuts in a diagonal pattern; 7. Lower the vehicle by releasing the jack and ensure that all lug nuts are properly tightened.
I've been driving for over ten years, and once I scraped the right front wheel against the curb, losing a big chunk of rubber. I thought it was fine, but then the tire blew out on the highway and nearly caused an accident. Damage to the outer side of the tire is the most dangerous—it's as thin as a sheet of paper, and once it breaks, it's game over. When inspecting, check the size and depth of the rubber wound. If only a small piece of the surface is missing, with no fabric cords or steel wires exposed and no bulging, you can still drive slowly for short distances. But if the damaged area is larger than a coin or deeper than half a centimeter, don't risk it—pull over immediately, change to the spare, and head to a repair shop. Safety comes first—human lives are at stake, so don't hesitate over a few hundred bucks. Remember, kicking your tires before driving to check for bulges is a good habit to prevent accidents. Personal advice: Don't push your luck in such situations—get a professional inspection. Saving a little money isn't worth risking a major disaster. In short, better safe than sorry—after all, tires are the legs of your car. How can it run if the legs are crippled?
