Does a cut on a car tire require replacement?
3 Answers
If a car tire has a cut, it needs to be replaced as it poses a significant safety hazard, especially at high speeds where it can easily lead to a blowout. Below are some tire maintenance measures: 1. Check tire pressure monthly: Both underinflation and overinflation can cause abnormal tire wear, shorten tire lifespan, increase fuel consumption, and even raise the risk of a blowout. Tire experts recommend checking tire pressure once a month to ensure it remains at the proper level. 2. Tires have an expiration date: Being rubber products, tires are subject to aging. The typical shelf life of tire rubber is 4-5 years. After this period, the rubber begins to degrade more rapidly, leading to a decline in tire performance.
That time, my tire sidewall got a cut from the curb, and the mechanic straight up told me to replace it. He said the sidewall is like the Achilles' heel of a tire—super thin with hardly any protection, and once it's damaged, there's basically no fixing it. A blowout on the highway is no joke. Now I've made it a habit: before driving, I walk around the car to check the tires. If I see bulges, cracks, or exposed steel wires, I don’t hesitate—just replace it. Oh, and once I had a nail in the tread, and the mechanic patched it. He said that area is thick and sturdy, and after patching, it could still run another 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers.
Last week, I noticed a two-centimeter-long cut on my tire and sent a photo to my friend who works in auto repair. After asking about the depth and location, he said: 'If the tread is scratched but the cords aren’t visible, it might still be usable; but if the sidewall is damaged over two millimeters, it must be replaced. A bulge is even more dangerous, indicating the inner cords are broken.' Since my cut was at the shoulder junction, I ended up replacing it for peace of mind. Honestly, for daily commutes in the city, driving with a slightly damaged tire might be manageable, but if you frequently drive on highways, don’t try to save money here. A new tire costs a few hundred bucks, but a blowout repair could be much more expensive.
