Can a tire with a small chunk of rubber missing be used normally?
2 Answers
Tire sidewall with a small chunk missing can generally continue to be used as long as the inner cord layer is not exposed and only the rubber is damaged. If the damage is very small and shallow, it may be ignored. However, if the damage is deep, it is advisable to replace the tire for safety. Introduction to Tubeless Tires: Tubeless tires, also known as "low-pressure tires" or "pneumatic tires," have high elasticity and wear resistance, along with good adhesion and heat dissipation performance. Particularly, all-steel radial tubeless tires are economical and durable. Applications of Tubeless Tires: In recent years, tubeless tires have been increasingly used in bicycles, motorcycles, cars, buses, and trucks.
Last week when I was parking, my tire scraped against the curb and a rubber-sized chunk came off the sidewall. At first I thought it was minor, but after researching I realized with alarm: tire sidewalls only have one layer of fabric plus rubber, and once damaged they're prone to bulging or even blowouts. I immediately drove to the repair shop where the mechanic used a strong light to inspect it and said while the inner cords weren't broken, the damage exceeded 2mm in depth, recommending replacement for safety. Now during my commute I constantly monitor tire pressure, especially since wet weather makes sidewall damage more likely to cause skidding. This isn't money to save - a highway blowout is no joke. From now on I'll steer clear of curbs, even if it means extra maneuvering - never risking tire contact again.
