Can a tire with a small chunk of rubber missing be used normally?
4 Answers
Tire sidewall with a small chunk of rubber missing can generally be used as long as the inner cord layer is not exposed, and only the rubber is damaged. Moreover, if the damage is very small and shallow, it can be ignored. If the damage is deep, it is recommended to replace the tire for safety. Relevant information about tubeless tires is as follows: 1. Introduction: Tubeless tires, also known as "low-pressure tires" or "pneumatic tires," have high elasticity and wear resistance, good adhesion and heat dissipation performance, especially all-steel radial tubeless tires which are economical and durable. 2. Scope of application: Tubeless tires have been increasingly used in bicycles, motorcycles, cars, buses, and trucks in recent years.
From a safety perspective, I need to emphasize the seriousness of a small chunk missing from your tire. As someone who pays close attention to details while driving and has seen many cases, even minor rubber loss can be problematic—especially if it's on the sidewall or damages the inner cord layer. Under pressure, this can lead to bulging, air leakage, or even a high-speed blowout. The inspection method is simple: use your finger to check if the damaged area feels soft, and look for cracks or bulges. If any are present, avoid driving immediately. Tires are the only part of your car that contacts the road, so any damage directly impacts safety. I recommend driving at speeds below 60 km/h for short distances as a test, avoiding highways, and getting a professional inspection as soon as possible. Regular tire maintenance can prevent such issues—for example, parking away from curbs and checking tire condition during car washes. Safe driving is no trivial matter; don’t cut corners on repairs and ignore risks.
Once I accidentally scraped the curb and a small piece of tread came off. At first, I didn't think much of it. After driving for a few days, I felt the steering wheel shaking a bit, and upon inspection, I found the small wound had deepened and was almost leaking air. Since then, I've learned my lesson—tires are like shoes, and even a small damage should be taken seriously. Especially during the rainy season or on poor road conditions, damage can spread faster. Now when I encounter such a situation, I first check the location. If it's in the center of the tread, I might still drive short distances, but absolutely not if it's on the sidewall. I also pay attention to driving slowly when turning and stopping, avoiding sudden steering. Tires are crucial to the stability of the entire vehicle, and small issues can accumulate into big problems. I suggest replacing them early rather than delaying. My driving experience has taught me that prevention is always better than cure.
As a frequent car repairer, tire scuffing can't be generalized. If the surface rubber damage is small and shallow without exposing the internal structure, it's still possible to drive slowly in urban areas. However, carefully inspect the depth and location, using light to check for cracks. The sidewall is the thinnest and most vulnerable part - never take it lightly. High-speed driving with air pressure impact may cause bulging or bursting, endangering safety. Regular tire replacement is crucial as worn tires are already dangerous, and additional damage makes it worse. It's best to have the tire removed and thoroughly inspected at a shop - don't gamble with safety. Maintaining tires is fundamental to safe driving.
