Does a small notch on the sidewall of a car tire require replacement?

[Ronan]

Replacement is necessary. Methods to protect tires are as follows: Pay attention to tire pressure: Both overinflation and underinflation can cause abnormal tire wear, shortening the tire's lifespan. During the harsh weather conditions of winter and summer, adjust tire pressure regularly based on recommendations from maintenance service stations. Avoid sudden acceleration: Avoid sudden acceleration during daily driving. Rapid acceleration from a stationary state causes intense friction between the tire and the road surface, accelerating tread wear. Reduce sudden braking: Sudden braking behavior increases localized tread wear and can easily lead to tire bulging or delamination. Use coasting to decelerate more often and minimize the use of brakes, especially emergency braking. Drive at a steady speed: Maintain an appropriate speed and drive steadily to avoid or minimize the need for emergency braking, reducing tire wear. When stopping during a trip or arriving at a destination, develop the habit of safely coasting to a stop.

[KevinLee]

This is no trivial matter. Having driven for over 30 years, I can tell you that any small cut in the tire sidewall means immediate replacement. The sidewall is the most vulnerable part of a tire - it only has a single layer of cord fabric without steel belt reinforcement. Even a minor cut compromises the sidewall's strength. At high speeds when tires heat up and expand, this dramatically increases the risk of sudden blowouts. I once witnessed a car crash through highway barriers precisely because of this issue. Use a ruler to measure the cut depth - if it exceeds 2mm, replace the tire immediately, no exceptions. Don't even think about patching it; the sidewall rubber is too thin for patches to hold properly. When it comes to safety, never compromise to save money.

[JosephLynn]

As a driver who frequently takes long trips, I think it depends on the situation. If the tire sidewall just loses a bit of rubber without exposing the cord layer, it might still be okay for low-speed city driving. But if the cut is deep enough to reveal the black cords inside, or if there's bulging, you must replace the tire. Last month, I had to change a tire on my car for the same reason—it suddenly made a thumping noise on the ring road, and when I checked, there was a two-inch crack on the sidewall. The sidewall is as thin as paper and can burst like a balloon under heavy stress. I suggest you drive to a tire shop immediately for an inspection—don’t wait until the weekend. A high-speed blowout is no joke.

[VanAdriana]

As a master mechanic with over a decade of experience in the automotive repair industry, I must emphasize that any damage to the tire sidewall necessitates immediate tire replacement. The sidewall lacks steel belt reinforcement, relying solely on rubber and cord plies - any compromise to its integrity significantly weakens the structure. Even minor cuts can cause localized deformation and air leaks, potentially leading to sudden blowouts while driving. Don't believe those who claim a simple patch will suffice; the sidewall bears the greatest stress and cannot be reliably repaired. Checking tire pressure is irrelevant here - the hidden danger remains. Remember, tires are your vehicle's only contact point with the road. Never gamble with safety when lives are at stake.