Does a small cut on the side of the tire have any impact?
3 Answers
A small cut on the side of the tire does have an impact. The solutions for a small cut on the side of the tire are: 1. If the cut has damaged the internal cord fabric or is already broken, it is not recommended to repair it, and the tire needs to be replaced; 2. If the cut has not damaged the cord fabric, the tire can continue to be used, but it is necessary to regularly check whether the wound has expanded or if the cords have been damaged; 3. Regularly check the tire pressure and inflate the tires according to the front and rear tire pressures recommended by the car manufacturer and the tire manufacturer. The tire is one of the important components of a car, as it directly contacts the road surface and works together with the car suspension to cushion the impact during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving, as well as good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface, improving the car's traction, braking, and passability, and bearing the weight of the car.
Don't underestimate scratches on the sidewall of your tire. The sidewall has a thin structure and relies mainly on the cord plies to support the entire tire under pressure. If a small cut is deep enough to expose internal metal wires or fibers, it poses significant risks. During high-speed driving or sharp turns, the internal tire pressure fluctuates greatly, and weak spots may suddenly blow out, leading to accidents. I once witnessed a friend's car losing control due to similar minor damage, resulting in costly repairs. Here's my advice for self-inspection: Use your fingernail to gauge the depth of the scratch. If it's deep, don't hesitate—visit a professional tire shop immediately for assessment. Even if it's shallow, monitor it regularly for air leaks. Remember, safety comes first. Don't cut corners by ignoring small issues; addressing them early prevents endless troubles later.
I also had a small cut on the sidewall of my car tire. At first, I thought it was just a minor scratch and could keep driving. Later, I paid more attention and noticed that at higher speeds, there was a slight vibration, making it feel a bit unstable. Upon closer inspection, if the damage is shallow and doesn't reach the internal structure, the impact might be minimal; but if it's deep, the risk increases significantly at high speeds. A colleague of mine once had a tire blowout due to a similar oversight, costing a lot to replace the entire set. I suggest you do what I did: first, apply soapy water to see if bubbles form; if there's a leak, stop using it immediately; if not, drive slowly and observe for a few days. It's best to take a photo and send it to a repair shop for advice—don't wait until an accident happens to regret it.
