Can I Still Use the Tire If the Steel Belts Are Visible?
2 Answers
Tires with visible steel belts should not continue to be used and must be replaced immediately. The steel belts, reinforced with a plastic layer, serve as the primary load-bearing structure of the tire, supporting the majority of the pressure the tire endures. Therefore, if the steel belt layer is damaged or broken, the tire must be replaced to avoid the risk of a blowout. For safety reasons, it is strongly recommended to replace the tire as soon as possible. Below are some key considerations for purchasing and using tires: 1. Always check the manufacturing date when purchasing tires: Avoid buying tires that were produced a long time ago. Tires are made of rubber, which can degrade over time even if unused. 2. Regularly inspect tire pressure and the tire surface for any damage during daily use: The sidewalls of tires are particularly vulnerable, and if punctured or cut, they often cannot be repaired. It is advisable to replace tires every four years, regardless of the mileage driven during that period.
As a long-haul driver, I've seen too many accidents caused by tire issues. If your tire's steel belts are exposed, it's absolutely unsafe to continue using it. Those steel belts are the internal support structure of the tire, and once exposed, it means the rubber has worn to its limit and could blow out at any moment. Imagine a tire blowout on the highway—the car could skid out of control, and that's no joke. Just two months ago, I heard about a friend who kept driving with exposed steel belts, only to skid and hit a guardrail while turning in the rain. The repairs cost over ten thousand yuan, and he was injured too. Tires might seem like a small thing, but they're critical to safety. I suggest you pull over immediately and check—don't risk driving further. Get to a professional shop and replace the tire as soon as possible. Make it a habit to inspect your tires every few thousand kilometers for wear, cracks, or bulges. Generally, tires last about 5 years or 60,000 kilometers—replace them if they're aging. Safety comes first; don't invite big trouble just to save a few hundred bucks.