Does a puncture on the tire sidewall mean it must be replaced?
3 Answers
Whether a puncture on the tire sidewall can be repaired depends on the specific situation. If the puncture area on the tire sidewall is within 6mm, it can be patched. If the puncture area exceeds 6mm, there is no need for repair. The relevant introduction about tires is as follows: Functions of tires: To reduce and absorb the vibrations and impacts during vehicle operation, preventing early damage to automotive components caused by severe vibrations. Performance requirements: Safety performance mandated by regulations: high-speed performance, durability, bead unseating resistance, strength, and outer dimensions. Performance tested when tires are assembled on vehicles: comfort, handling stability, NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), fuel economy, impact resistance, dry and wet braking performance, wear resistance, etc.
A puncture in the tire sidewall is indeed a tricky issue. As someone who frequently deals with such cases, I must emphasize safety first. The sidewall is much thinner than the tread and is primarily responsible for the tire's flexibility and support. If punctured by a nail or other sharp object, its structure could be severely compromised. Repair shops usually refuse to patch this area because patches can easily detach under high tire pressure or at high speeds, leading to blowout accidents—I have a friend who nearly had an accident due to delayed replacement. Therefore, the only solution is typically to replace the tire; don’t risk it to save money. In an emergency, you can use a temporary inflator to drive to a repair shop, but keep the speed below 40 km/h. On a related note, make it a habit to inspect your tires regularly, such as checking for cracks or foreign objects on the sidewalls before driving, to reduce such risks. While replacing a tire may cost a bit, safety is priceless. Opting for high-quality tires can also extend their lifespan.
I recently experienced a puncture on the tire sidewall. While driving, I felt the car shaking and upon inspection found a small hole on the side. The mechanic directly said it couldn't be repaired and needed replacement, as the sidewall is the weakest part of the tire. A patch wouldn't hold reliably and could lead to a blowout on highways. I hesitated due to the cost but ultimately prioritized safety and replaced it. Now I always avoid parking near gravel areas to prevent recurrence. The tire replacement process was simple and took less than half an hour. Had this happened in a remote area, they would've temporarily inflated it for me to drive slowly to the shop. Remember to regularly check tire pressure and appearance to detect issues early. Installing a tire pressure monitoring system can also be helpful.
