Does a scratch on the sidewall of a new car tire that hasn't exposed the cords need to be replaced?
2 Answers
It needs to be replaced. Here are the relevant details: 1. The weakest part of a tire is the sidewall. If it is damaged, it not only increases the risk of a blowout but also makes it more difficult to repair. Therefore, many people, including tire manufacturers, do not recommend repairing it. 2. If the damage is not severe and has not reached the cord layer, meaning the sidewall has not suffered structural damage, it is still safe to continue using the tire. However, for safety reasons, it is best to take it to a tire repair shop to patch the damaged area and rebalance the tire. Then, it should be installed on the rear wheel or used as a spare tire. After all, the sidewall is the most vulnerable part of the tire, and the rubber here is meant to protect the cord layer inside. If it is damaged again, the cord layer could be compromised, which would be very dangerous. 3. If the sidewall of a car tire is scratched or damaged, it is recommended to replace it promptly. Driving at high speeds with such damage can easily lead to a blowout, posing a significant safety hazard.
Last time I helped my neighbor check the tires on his new car, and there was a sidewall scratch that didn't seem to expose the cords, but it was actually a serious issue. The sidewall is the thinnest part of a tire and relies entirely on the inner cord layers for support. If the scratch is deep, the tire can deform and overheat at high speeds, potentially leading to a bulge or even a blowout in no time. I've seen many cases where new tires with normal pressure blew out on long trips just because of such scratches. It's best to replace them—safety first, after all. If you really don't want to replace them, at least don't exceed 80 km/h, try to avoid driving in the rain, and check weekly for any deepening cracks.
