Does a notch on the side of the tire have any impact?
3 Answers
A notch on the side of the tire does have an impact. If the sidewall of the tire is scratched, it is essential to replace the tire as soon as possible to avoid the risk of a high-speed blowout. If the damage to the contact surface exceeds 4mm, the tire must also be replaced promptly, as both internal and external repairs pose potential dangers. Here are some methods to extend the life of your tires: 1. Develop the habit of regularly checking tire pressure: Air pressure is crucial for extending tire life—if the pressure frequently exceeds the normal level by 20%, the tire's lifespan will decrease by 10%; if it is often 30% below normal, the lifespan will be reduced by 52%. 2. Maintain consistent tire pressure: Tire pressure is the lifeblood of the tire. If the pressure is too low, the tire body deformation increases, leading to cracks on the sidewall, excessive heat generation, rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layer, and cord breakage. 3. Regularly remove foreign objects from the tire: While driving, small stones often get lodged in the tread grooves. If not removed promptly, these stones can puncture the tire over time, causing air leaks or blowouts. 4. Adopt scientifically sound driving habits: When driving on roads with significant curvature, try to stay centered to avoid or reduce vehicle weight shifts, which can cause uneven tire wear due to increased load on one side. 5. Maintain accurate wheel alignment: Front-wheel alignment significantly affects tire lifespan, with toe-in and camber being the primary factors. Excessive camber accelerates shoulder wear and uneven wear, while improper toe-in mainly accelerates wear on the inner and outer edges of the tire.
I always drive very carefully, especially when it comes to tires. A nick on the sidewall of a tire is indeed very dangerous because the sidewall is the weakest part, bearing the pressure of turns and impacts. When I drive long distances on the highway, I've encountered similar situations where a small nick gradually develops into a bubble or air leak. It's best to check the depth and location as soon as possible. If it's a minor scratch, it might be temporarily fine, but if it's deep or close to the rim, the tire must be replaced. Safety first—don’t gamble with your life. I recommend going to a professional tire shop for an evaluation. Also, be careful when parking to avoid scraping the curb and damaging the sidewall. Regular tire maintenance can also prevent problems before they occur.
I used to be a DIY car repair enthusiast and often fixed minor issues myself. If there's a cut on the tire sidewall, I recommend first using soapy water to check for air leaks. If there's no leak, it might just be a surface scratch, but safety isn't guaranteed. Deep sidewall damage can easily lead to a blowout—like when I scraped a curb last time and the sidewall went flat. Don't try to save money; take it to a shop and let a professional check if replacement is needed. Tire lifespan is greatly affected by road conditions, so maintain proper tire pressure. Check the overall tire condition every time you wash your car and address any abnormalities promptly.
