Does a car tire need to be replaced if the outer layer is slightly damaged?
2 Answers
It needs to be replaced. If the tire's outer layer is scraped off, it usually occurs on the sidewall, which is the thinnest part of the tire. However, during driving, the sidewall undergoes the most compression and deformation, bearing significant loads. Therefore, regardless of the tire type, if there are scratches or damage on the sidewall, both tire manufacturers and car manufacturers clearly stipulate that the tire must be replaced if the sidewall is damaged or cannot be repaired due to air leakage. Below are the reasons why a car tire needs to be replaced if the outer layer is slightly damaged: Based on the tire's structure, the sidewall is the weakest part, consisting only of a thin rubber layer and the cord ply, which is a mesh layer woven from cotton threads and rayon. This fragile sidewall bears the air pressure that supports the entire vehicle's weight. If the sidewall is cut, especially if the cord ply is damaged, it completely disrupts the structural stress of the sidewall, making it highly prone to blowouts. Therefore, if the tire sidewall has a scrape but the cords are not exposed, you should still go to a repair facility to replace the tire as soon as possible. If the cords are exposed, drive carefully, avoid high speeds, and immediately go to a repair facility to replace the tire.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I believe whether to replace a slightly damaged tire depends on the location and severity of the damage. From my experience, if the damage is on the tire sidewall, it must be replaced immediately because that area is thin - even minor damage might reach the internal cords, which could lead to a blowout at high speeds, making it extremely dangerous. If it's just a shallow scratch in the center of the tread that hasn't exposed the steel belts, you might temporarily keep using it, but it's best to have a professional mechanic check the depth and pressure changes with proper tools. Regularly inspecting your tires before driving and maintaining proper tire pressure can prevent such issues. Always conduct thorough checks before long trips - safety comes first, don't take risks just to save money.
